This was the hardest day of biking today; in fact, in my entire life. Not even when I was just staring. It's heard to believe right now as I sit around a campfire in the middle of the desert that I actually did it. Since yesterday, the roads have been dotted with cacti, mixing with the grass. Today we started from Ramona and the temperature was rather chilly (at least for this trip). Remember when I slept in a wind tunnel? Well, today I rode in one. From the beginning of the ride today, we went up. And up. And up. For about eight or nine miles. A nice, gradual climb under normal circumstances, but today was anything but normal circumstances. Until today, the weather was perfect for riding, no rain, no head wind, just beautiful sunshine. Today it was cold and extremely windy. I learned that I'd rather ride up a hill with no wind than downhill in a head wind, especially if it's cold! We climbed and climbed and climbed. Usually when we go up hills we can look forward to going downhill. But today, the wind was so bad, going down hill was worse than going u p!
After pedalling our butts off, we came down to the best bakery in all of California. And, running with the luck of the day, it was closed. So then we began our ascent up to Julian, a wonderful seven mile climb. About half way up, we stopped at a little Farmer's Market and bought some cinnamon rolls hot out of the oven and ate them out on a haybale outside. It's the stop like this that makes me love the group I'm in. It's the stopping that makes this trip great, not necessarily the biking (especially today's).
Anyway, I bought a slice of banana bread to eat for lunch and then we were on our way for the second half of the climb. I've definitely had enough of climbing. But the feeling of accomplishment I felt at the top is unsurpassed. It really makes me feel like I've done something important.
When we got to Julian, the elevation was over 4,000 feet. Not bad, considering we were at sea level yesterday. We stopped at a little market and I got two turkey sandwiches, my slice of banana bread and a Snickers bar for $2.30. Then we walked around a little more, looking at the shops around time. In one of the shops we met a lady who volunteered at the state park we're staying at tonight, Aanza-Berregno, and she talked to us for a while. Then we took off for the park.
Now the temperature in Julian was about 45 degrees and the first part of the trip was all downhill. And windy. And extremely cold. And I wouldn't change it for the world. It was one of the most intense experiences of the trip. I was behind everyone else and the view was spectacular. Five bikers speeding down curves, the wind blowing (and freezing) our faces and the mountains and valleys to either side of us. It's an incredible feeling to know you're going about 30-35 mph down hill on 1/4" wide tires. There's not hing like it.
By the time we were down, the temperature was up and we were definitely in the desert. The desert is so beautiful. It's incredible that just two days we were right by the coast (even just yesterday). The only problem was Chip flipped going down a straightaway and wiped himself and Ed out. I was behind them and it was certainly a sight to see. Luckily, neither were hurt and either bikes were ruined. The rest of the trip was uneventful, except for Randy almost being taken out by an RV.
We arrived at the camp and then some of us went to see a slide presentation at the visitors center. It was kind of interesting, except I was really tired and dozed off quite a bit. Then we came back and had a mighty tasty Mexican meal. Dennis and Chip wore their sombreros and we all did our best Three Amigo's imitations. We had a wonderful time talking and enjoying ourselves. Then they built a fire, we made some s'mores and now everyone has pretty much gone off to bed. And so am I. Æ
Tunes: crooked fingers - disappear
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 20 January 1991
You know, in this journal writing, it would be extremely easy to just have every day sound like every other day. I mean, we bike, we stop, we bike some more. After a while, it all seems redundant. But each ride is different. I really wish that I could package each day up and put it away and then pull it out sometime later when I really need it. Today is one of those rides I'd like to pull out quite a lot, though I'm not sure why.
Right now I just feel great. God truly filled this day with a lot. We got a very early start from the First Methodist Church of Oceanside, basically because it was Sunday and all the members would be coming to church. Luckily I got an early start, 'cause they had let all the air in my tire (back) out. I thought it was a hole, so Randy and I looked 15 minutes for it. But we finally got on the road.
Today we officially left the coast of California (sniff, sob) and began our trek east toward Arizona. We rode through San Marcos and then headed toward Escondido. On the way up a hill, our group smelled doughnuts, so, being the hungry group we are, we stopped at Yum Yum Doughnuts and picked up 14 doughnuts for $3.88 and sat along the side of the building and munched doughnuts. The only bad things was we were on 4-5 miles from lunch! So when we reached Escondido, we stopped at a grocery and picked up some fruit to eat a little later. Then we began our ride again.
But we didn't get very far. Randy noticed a couple of pecan trees along the side of the road that he remembered from an earlier lunch stop years ago. So we pulled over and he began to knock pecans off the trees. At first only Dennis was helping, then Scott went over. After about 15 minutes my interest was piqued enough and we all began to rummage for pecans. We were shaking branches and throwing bottles and crouching over, searching for pecans. We stuck them in our lycra shorts for holding. Then Dennis climbed one of the trees and began a rain of pecans down on us (thank goodness we were wearing our helmets). We picked up about three large bags of pecans and stuffed them into our packs and began our trip.
We found a wonderful downhill, a nice change after the flat coast, and at the bottom was a fruit stand so, of course, we stopped. Then we began our ascent to Ramona. This hill was the toughest thing I've done on this trip. But it was also the most satisfying. Up and down the hill, our bikes were spread out and intermingled, no real groups to be found. Except for Team Bias. We stayed together as a group all the way up the hill, only losing Scott about halfway up. We were singing Zip-a-dee-do-dah at first, but no one said much. By the end, my legs were burning and my back tightened up on me. If I'd been alone, I probably would have stopped and walked. But being in a group gave me the incentive to go all the way up the hill.
At the top (four miles later) we waited for Scott and munched on some of our fruit. About a mile and a half later, we reached the Congregational Church. Dennis and I decided we'd skip showers and beat the rush to the laundromat. So we washed our clothes and threw a little football and then came back and took a nice ice cold hose shower, complete with showerhead. It was definitely an experience I'll never forget, it being a bit chilly outside and being completely open to everyone.
Then I went in and watched the Giants beat the 49ers and then went and called Stacy down the road (I'm going to hate my phone bill). When I came back, Shawn and Keith were trying to throw the football into a dumpster, so I thought I'd give it a try. Turns out I was the only one to get it in out of Shawn, Keith, Vern, Matt and I. And I am the worst passer!
Then we had yet another great dinner and then Dr. Cronk had class. It was a really neat time. He shared from the kindergarten book again and then shared about himself, which was really great. We talked about conflict and the class really opened up and shared a lot. Then we had a service and another wonderful time of singing and sharing. Ted had rented Silverado and bought some popcorn and some pop and a bunch of us watched it. I finished some postcards and left early, 'cause I really wasn't into the movie. Tomorrow's supposed to be the hardest day, so I'm going to go to sleep. Later, y'all. Æ
Tunes: U2 - new york
Right now I just feel great. God truly filled this day with a lot. We got a very early start from the First Methodist Church of Oceanside, basically because it was Sunday and all the members would be coming to church. Luckily I got an early start, 'cause they had let all the air in my tire (back) out. I thought it was a hole, so Randy and I looked 15 minutes for it. But we finally got on the road.
Today we officially left the coast of California (sniff, sob) and began our trek east toward Arizona. We rode through San Marcos and then headed toward Escondido. On the way up a hill, our group smelled doughnuts, so, being the hungry group we are, we stopped at Yum Yum Doughnuts and picked up 14 doughnuts for $3.88 and sat along the side of the building and munched doughnuts. The only bad things was we were on 4-5 miles from lunch! So when we reached Escondido, we stopped at a grocery and picked up some fruit to eat a little later. Then we began our ride again.
But we didn't get very far. Randy noticed a couple of pecan trees along the side of the road that he remembered from an earlier lunch stop years ago. So we pulled over and he began to knock pecans off the trees. At first only Dennis was helping, then Scott went over. After about 15 minutes my interest was piqued enough and we all began to rummage for pecans. We were shaking branches and throwing bottles and crouching over, searching for pecans. We stuck them in our lycra shorts for holding. Then Dennis climbed one of the trees and began a rain of pecans down on us (thank goodness we were wearing our helmets). We picked up about three large bags of pecans and stuffed them into our packs and began our trip.
We found a wonderful downhill, a nice change after the flat coast, and at the bottom was a fruit stand so, of course, we stopped. Then we began our ascent to Ramona. This hill was the toughest thing I've done on this trip. But it was also the most satisfying. Up and down the hill, our bikes were spread out and intermingled, no real groups to be found. Except for Team Bias. We stayed together as a group all the way up the hill, only losing Scott about halfway up. We were singing Zip-a-dee-do-dah at first, but no one said much. By the end, my legs were burning and my back tightened up on me. If I'd been alone, I probably would have stopped and walked. But being in a group gave me the incentive to go all the way up the hill.
At the top (four miles later) we waited for Scott and munched on some of our fruit. About a mile and a half later, we reached the Congregational Church. Dennis and I decided we'd skip showers and beat the rush to the laundromat. So we washed our clothes and threw a little football and then came back and took a nice ice cold hose shower, complete with showerhead. It was definitely an experience I'll never forget, it being a bit chilly outside and being completely open to everyone.
Then I went in and watched the Giants beat the 49ers and then went and called Stacy down the road (I'm going to hate my phone bill). When I came back, Shawn and Keith were trying to throw the football into a dumpster, so I thought I'd give it a try. Turns out I was the only one to get it in out of Shawn, Keith, Vern, Matt and I. And I am the worst passer!
Then we had yet another great dinner and then Dr. Cronk had class. It was a really neat time. He shared from the kindergarten book again and then shared about himself, which was really great. We talked about conflict and the class really opened up and shared a lot. Then we had a service and another wonderful time of singing and sharing. Ted had rented Silverado and bought some popcorn and some pop and a bunch of us watched it. I finished some postcards and left early, 'cause I really wasn't into the movie. Tomorrow's supposed to be the hardest day, so I'm going to go to sleep. Later, y'all. Æ
Tunes: U2 - new york
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 19 January 1991
Sucking all the marrow out of life. Carpe Diem. These are sayings and terms that I've truly come to appreciate on this trip, maybe because I'm trying to live by them every day. Today brought a lot of things together. The first thing we did today (after I woke up feeling sick and almost puked and then ate a delicious Belgian waffles breakfast) was go to the Institute for Creation Research, a facility dedicated to evidence (scientific) for creation. I really wish I could have spent hours in there talking and learning about what they believe. I noticed some faulty logic in their thinking (such as belief in creation is the foundation for everything) but a lot of what they said made a lot of sense.
The most interesting thing about it, though, didn't occur at the center. It occurred at our next stop, the San Diego Zoo. The experience fit so well into the morning's session and really helped to illustrate a lot of different points (Break: before the zoo we stopped for lunch and Team Bias, minus Ed and Randy, went to Little Ceasar's and had a hilarious time badgering the waitress and being called Marines and being told you need a local driver's license to use travelers checks!). The Zoo was kind of a disappointment; again, it was because of bad expectations on my part. But the interesting thing was seeing all the different species of animals and discovering how neither evolution nor creationism adequately (in my opinion, limited though it may be) explain them all.
Probably the best parts of the zoo were petting the elephant and walking through the Rainforest Aviary. Looking for all the different birds and having them sit three feet from you was incredible. It, like most of this trip, made me painfully aware of the environment and what we are doing to it. And that experience of the aviary in the zoo led right into the final experience of the day. After a delicious Godfather's Pizza dinner, I went to see Awakenings starring Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro. Talk about a powerful movie. But it was very subtle in its power, something you really didn't notice until about five minutes after the movie was over. Its message fit right into the rest of the trip: take the time to appreciate the little things in life and don't take anything for granted, for one day you could not have those things. Like I wanted to do on this whole trip, we need to absorb everything and I intend to keep on doing that, 'cause someday this trip will be over and I want to have experienced all I can. Lord, make me a sponge! Æ
Tunes: U2 - don't take your guns to town
The most interesting thing about it, though, didn't occur at the center. It occurred at our next stop, the San Diego Zoo. The experience fit so well into the morning's session and really helped to illustrate a lot of different points (Break: before the zoo we stopped for lunch and Team Bias, minus Ed and Randy, went to Little Ceasar's and had a hilarious time badgering the waitress and being called Marines and being told you need a local driver's license to use travelers checks!). The Zoo was kind of a disappointment; again, it was because of bad expectations on my part. But the interesting thing was seeing all the different species of animals and discovering how neither evolution nor creationism adequately (in my opinion, limited though it may be) explain them all.
Probably the best parts of the zoo were petting the elephant and walking through the Rainforest Aviary. Looking for all the different birds and having them sit three feet from you was incredible. It, like most of this trip, made me painfully aware of the environment and what we are doing to it. And that experience of the aviary in the zoo led right into the final experience of the day. After a delicious Godfather's Pizza dinner, I went to see Awakenings starring Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro. Talk about a powerful movie. But it was very subtle in its power, something you really didn't notice until about five minutes after the movie was over. Its message fit right into the rest of the trip: take the time to appreciate the little things in life and don't take anything for granted, for one day you could not have those things. Like I wanted to do on this whole trip, we need to absorb everything and I intend to keep on doing that, 'cause someday this trip will be over and I want to have experienced all I can. Lord, make me a sponge! Æ
Tunes: U2 - don't take your guns to town
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 18 January 1991
Whew! Yet another exhausting day off! One thing about this trip: I've never been bored. And today was not different. After a doughnut breakfast, we loaded up the bus and drove to San Diego and bright and wonderful Sea World. It's been a while since I'd even been to a Sea World so I was looking forward to a good time and I wasn't disappointed. We got in rather cheaply ($7.50 as opposed to $23.50). As part of the deal we were treated to two educational programs, one about the killer whales and one about dolphins. We got to see Shamu and Baby Shamu. It was astounding the things they trained them to do. They are certainly powerful creatures, swimming up to 30 mph! The dolphins were incredible, too. It was fun seeing them there after seeing them wild yesterday. This trip has certainly renewed my interest in sea life. So many different varieties of life are there and each has its own distinct qualities. We saw bat rays, moray eels, sharks, penguins (with a neat treadmill that we had fun walking backwards on) and a couple of shows: City Streets, which was kind of entertaining; and The Pirates of Pinniped, which was a riot. It had sea lions and otters performing as well as a hilarious mime that made fun of audience members. The otter was the best, jumping across stage with a can of Pepsi or pulling a boat and stealing the treasure or hopping across with a life preserver.
From Sea World we made a run for the border. Not to Taco Bell but the Mexican Border. It was the first time I'd ever been out of the U.S. and it certainly was a day to remember. The streets of Tijuana were packed end to end with shop after shop, all trying to get you to buy things. You walked down the streets and shop keepers would say, "Amigo, come inside, I have deal for you." Most of the shops had the same merchandise in them, so we went from shop to shop looking for the best prices. You could haggle with most of the "salesmen" and get them down to your price. Dennis got a sombrero down from $12 to $5 and then nuked the guy by walking away. Most of the stories were like that.
The whole atmosphere was so bizarre! Between Tijuana and Venice Beach I've certainly had a variety of experiences. Guys would come up to us and go, "Free look!" or "Free shot!" One guy as we came out of his store said, "Buy something for your neighbor's wife." I thought I was going to bust a gut. One guy tried to sell us pornographic key chains with every position imaginable, even the "Mexican Monkey." In one store we talked to a guy for a while (probably one of the only honest guys we found). He tried to sell us Corona pull overs, but we told him we went to a Christian college and he said OK. Chip wanted to buy some fur handcuffs, but the guy didn't have any. Because he was so honest, we bought a Hard Rock Mexico pullover for $6.50. On the way out we talked to a 16-year-old who told us Mexican women LOVE American men (made us feel good).
But all of Tijuana wasn't a good time. Actually, the whole experience was kind of depressing. Little kids running around selling "chicle" or woven bracelets. Old ladies with little children begging for money. It was hard not to give money to them all, but once you gave once, they'd follow you around. Dennis got mobbed by a large group of kids just outside customs, just because he pulled out his wallet to give one kid money. An interesting place for sure, with it's Tijuana Taco Bell (a little cart on the side of the road) and cheap clothes and haggling salesmen.
After Mexico we went and ate at Point Loma Naz, a wonderful buffet and much more freedom than our cafeteria, though the food wasn't a whole lot better. Then we traveled back to the church and got into some heated political discussions that went absolutely nowhere. We talked with one of Rian's friends, a Marine, who would go to jail before war. Her husband was already over there and she was extremely opinionated. Such an interesting day. There's no way I could do all I've done out here for only the $625 I paid for the trip. Definitely one of the decisions I've ever made. Allegro muchacho, Amigo! Æ
Tunes: hayden - you are all i have
From Sea World we made a run for the border. Not to Taco Bell but the Mexican Border. It was the first time I'd ever been out of the U.S. and it certainly was a day to remember. The streets of Tijuana were packed end to end with shop after shop, all trying to get you to buy things. You walked down the streets and shop keepers would say, "Amigo, come inside, I have deal for you." Most of the shops had the same merchandise in them, so we went from shop to shop looking for the best prices. You could haggle with most of the "salesmen" and get them down to your price. Dennis got a sombrero down from $12 to $5 and then nuked the guy by walking away. Most of the stories were like that.
The whole atmosphere was so bizarre! Between Tijuana and Venice Beach I've certainly had a variety of experiences. Guys would come up to us and go, "Free look!" or "Free shot!" One guy as we came out of his store said, "Buy something for your neighbor's wife." I thought I was going to bust a gut. One guy tried to sell us pornographic key chains with every position imaginable, even the "Mexican Monkey." In one store we talked to a guy for a while (probably one of the only honest guys we found). He tried to sell us Corona pull overs, but we told him we went to a Christian college and he said OK. Chip wanted to buy some fur handcuffs, but the guy didn't have any. Because he was so honest, we bought a Hard Rock Mexico pullover for $6.50. On the way out we talked to a 16-year-old who told us Mexican women LOVE American men (made us feel good).
But all of Tijuana wasn't a good time. Actually, the whole experience was kind of depressing. Little kids running around selling "chicle" or woven bracelets. Old ladies with little children begging for money. It was hard not to give money to them all, but once you gave once, they'd follow you around. Dennis got mobbed by a large group of kids just outside customs, just because he pulled out his wallet to give one kid money. An interesting place for sure, with it's Tijuana Taco Bell (a little cart on the side of the road) and cheap clothes and haggling salesmen.
After Mexico we went and ate at Point Loma Naz, a wonderful buffet and much more freedom than our cafeteria, though the food wasn't a whole lot better. Then we traveled back to the church and got into some heated political discussions that went absolutely nowhere. We talked with one of Rian's friends, a Marine, who would go to jail before war. Her husband was already over there and she was extremely opinionated. Such an interesting day. There's no way I could do all I've done out here for only the $625 I paid for the trip. Definitely one of the decisions I've ever made. Allegro muchacho, Amigo! Æ
Tunes: hayden - you are all i have
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 17 January 1991
A myriad of thoughts all jumbled together are violently twisting about in a maddening frenzy looking for supremacy over each other in the swells and crevices of my head. Total exhaustion is numbing all of my sense, making it difficult to write. What a day. Starting early this morning, even earlier than usual. With an incredible day planned, an early start was imperative. So off we went, riding through the streets of Long Beach in the early morning crispness, trying to make good time, for we had to ride forty miles before 11:00 am. We went by many famous beaches: Huntington, Newport, Laguna. Huntington curled my nose hairs, with refineries on the left and the beach on the right. We then rode by Newport, which was a beautiful city, even with the darkening layer of smog snarling on the horizon (and it was even a clear day. I'd hate to see a bad one). Laguna Beach was next and our group took a break to mail postcards and shop a bit.
Then we took off once more, up hill after hill toward our initial destination, Dana Point. For miles we didn't see much or any of the other groups. Dennis had a minor spill and banged his knee up, but he continued to ride. When we finally arrived at our lunch spot, we discovered why we hadn't seen anyone: we were the first group. So we hung out for a while while lunch was prepared. A lot of strange thoughts were running through my head today and it has a lot to do with what happened last year at this time. Funny how certain days and memories can influence your entire outlook.
After lunch came one of the big activities of the trip: whale watching/searching on a chartered boat! It was absofantabulous. Standing in the bow of the boat, cruising over the waves, feeling the wind and the spray lick my face. We stopped at a buoy out in the water and the bottom was covered with sea lions. What a life, lying around, basking in the sun, bobbing in the waves. Then we went searching for whales. Didn't find any. But we did find a large school of incredibly playful dolphins. They swam right at the bow of the boat, frolicked in the wake and even leapt out of the water. It made me feel part of their world. They seemed to be having so much fun and were happy with who they were. I'm not right now. Looking at myself I see so many dark holes, so many things I could do better. It truly bothers me that I'm not reaching my potential.
Anyway, we spent two hours on the boat, looking round the coast enjoying the sun and waves and dolphins. Once we got off the boat, it was 3:00, meaning we didn't have much time left to make the 30 miles between Dana Point and Oceanside. Plus, Pendleton Camp, which is usually used for this leg of the trip was closed because of the Iraq situation and Desert Storm. But being the die hard bikers we are, we decided to try, yet one more time, to beat the sun. Randy got the directions and we were flying! The going was a little slow at first, with hills taking their toll. Then we found our own little road with no one on it and we formed up into attack formation and pumped and pedaled 'til we were almost ready to take off. To our left the sun continued its descent while we continued our ride.
Then it was time to get onto the interstate, I-5 to be exact. Then we were speeding along with the cars, inhaling their exhaust and being deafened by the grinding of their engines. At about the time the sun was touching the waters of the Pacific, we reached Oceanside. The sunset was so gorgeous, with the smog helping to set the sky afire. But there was, unfortunately, no time for pictures.
We met up with the Tour de France group and we both reached the church about the same time. I was so sore and exhausted by that time and incredibly hungry. So I laid down a bit, then ate dinner. Randy had class again, but it was cut a little short 'cause he was losing his voice. And now I'm going to bed, 'cause tomorrow we go to Sea World and Tijuana. So now my thoughts are on paper and I can now sleep in peace (until tomorrow). Ɔ
Tunes: nick cave and the bad seeds - o children
Then we took off once more, up hill after hill toward our initial destination, Dana Point. For miles we didn't see much or any of the other groups. Dennis had a minor spill and banged his knee up, but he continued to ride. When we finally arrived at our lunch spot, we discovered why we hadn't seen anyone: we were the first group. So we hung out for a while while lunch was prepared. A lot of strange thoughts were running through my head today and it has a lot to do with what happened last year at this time. Funny how certain days and memories can influence your entire outlook.
After lunch came one of the big activities of the trip: whale watching/searching on a chartered boat! It was absofantabulous. Standing in the bow of the boat, cruising over the waves, feeling the wind and the spray lick my face. We stopped at a buoy out in the water and the bottom was covered with sea lions. What a life, lying around, basking in the sun, bobbing in the waves. Then we went searching for whales. Didn't find any. But we did find a large school of incredibly playful dolphins. They swam right at the bow of the boat, frolicked in the wake and even leapt out of the water. It made me feel part of their world. They seemed to be having so much fun and were happy with who they were. I'm not right now. Looking at myself I see so many dark holes, so many things I could do better. It truly bothers me that I'm not reaching my potential.
Anyway, we spent two hours on the boat, looking round the coast enjoying the sun and waves and dolphins. Once we got off the boat, it was 3:00, meaning we didn't have much time left to make the 30 miles between Dana Point and Oceanside. Plus, Pendleton Camp, which is usually used for this leg of the trip was closed because of the Iraq situation and Desert Storm. But being the die hard bikers we are, we decided to try, yet one more time, to beat the sun. Randy got the directions and we were flying! The going was a little slow at first, with hills taking their toll. Then we found our own little road with no one on it and we formed up into attack formation and pumped and pedaled 'til we were almost ready to take off. To our left the sun continued its descent while we continued our ride.
Then it was time to get onto the interstate, I-5 to be exact. Then we were speeding along with the cars, inhaling their exhaust and being deafened by the grinding of their engines. At about the time the sun was touching the waters of the Pacific, we reached Oceanside. The sunset was so gorgeous, with the smog helping to set the sky afire. But there was, unfortunately, no time for pictures.
We met up with the Tour de France group and we both reached the church about the same time. I was so sore and exhausted by that time and incredibly hungry. So I laid down a bit, then ate dinner. Randy had class again, but it was cut a little short 'cause he was losing his voice. And now I'm going to bed, 'cause tomorrow we go to Sea World and Tijuana. So now my thoughts are on paper and I can now sleep in peace (until tomorrow). Ɔ
Tunes: nick cave and the bad seeds - o children
Monday, January 16, 2006
avoidance
i should be grading essays. i'm not.
i should be making a couple of phone calls. i'm not.
i should be figuring out my lesson plans for the week. i'm not.
i should be returning kenny and marissa's Schoolhouse Rock DVD. i'm not.
i should be cleaning my house. i'm not.
i should stop writing in here. i'm not.
so yesterday was quite the exciting one in thurmanworld. sunday celebration - excellent. so glad i'm getting the chance to help janet with worship. so great to be in the space, even if it was a bit on the chilly side. probably unwise to wear only my birks. probably won't stop me from doing so again next week (assuming, of course, we continue to stay snow free in 2006. stupid weather). wonderful time of fellowship/eating at the brownhouse. then i stayed around to help aaron with the outside lights.
went home and, in a major change in my life, decided to watch the steelers game live instead of after the game. didn't hurt that by the time i turned it on, the steelers were already up by 14. wow. i watched all the way until the last five minutes, about the time the refs overturned the polamalu interception. God obviously knew what was coming and knew if i kept watching, i would end up in the hospital. wow. so glad i had today off so i could spend the time listening to all the recounts, reading about the game. i honestly did have much hope going into yesterday's game - i mean, indianapolis had been so great all season. i had said all week they would have to play over their heads to win. and they did. what a crazy, crazy ending. hard to watch, even knowing the outcome. i cannot fathom having watched that live - i would have been found floundering in the fetal position.
then colin came over and we headed over to the comet to catch the allstars. great night. so glad we made it early - place was packed, which is what happens when people don't have to work the next day. kim and joyce joined us, as did charlie. and i got to eat one of their amazing burritos. mmmm....
interesting couple of days in my WW journal. seinfeld and war, back to back. crazy. still pondering what thurman now would say to thurman then. or vice versa. i do remember thinking (and maybe this is in the journal later) that i could just keep cycling south and go into mexico, avoiding any possibility of the draft. strange, strange time. surprised at how little i actually wrote about it on the day. semed like a much bigger deal in my memory than it did on the page. but like i said, maybe there's more coming later.
excellent meeting with the triemergent cohort - gathering of folks interested in discussing this thing called the emergent church. not much focus, but then there rarely has been. raised some more questions about church and if there are foundational issues that allow us to call ourselves Christian. i struggle with knowing if this desire to determine who is in and who is out is just a hold over from my upbringing or if there are foundational questions we must answer. i think we all can see how our stories mingle with The Story, even those that would never claim faith. but how much richer our interaction when we've experienced The Story.
saturday night i decided i shouldn't sit at home, so i took a chance and went down to see anthony and cleopatra at the cincinnati shakespeare festival. i knew the story, but not sure i had ever read it. i was underwhelmed. the supporting cast was much stronger than the two leads. anthony reminded me too much of jake on veronica mars and did not make believe he was one of the greatest warriors of his time. and cleopatra's interpretation was just wrong. she came off more like a spoiled rich girl than a mysterious, exotic queen. i never felt a real connection between her and anthony. and i didn't like either one of them enough to care. ah well. here's hoping julius caesar is better.
worst part: bea called while i was at the show to invite me to hang out with her and courtney. figures the one night i actually decide not to stay home.
hmmmm...i have things to share. but not sure this is the forum to do so. is this self-censorship? self-preservation? self-importance? self-delusion?
i'll let you figure it out.
Æ
Tunes: old 97's - am i too late
i should be making a couple of phone calls. i'm not.
i should be figuring out my lesson plans for the week. i'm not.
i should be returning kenny and marissa's Schoolhouse Rock DVD. i'm not.
i should be cleaning my house. i'm not.
i should stop writing in here. i'm not.
so yesterday was quite the exciting one in thurmanworld. sunday celebration - excellent. so glad i'm getting the chance to help janet with worship. so great to be in the space, even if it was a bit on the chilly side. probably unwise to wear only my birks. probably won't stop me from doing so again next week (assuming, of course, we continue to stay snow free in 2006. stupid weather). wonderful time of fellowship/eating at the brownhouse. then i stayed around to help aaron with the outside lights.
went home and, in a major change in my life, decided to watch the steelers game live instead of after the game. didn't hurt that by the time i turned it on, the steelers were already up by 14. wow. i watched all the way until the last five minutes, about the time the refs overturned the polamalu interception. God obviously knew what was coming and knew if i kept watching, i would end up in the hospital. wow. so glad i had today off so i could spend the time listening to all the recounts, reading about the game. i honestly did have much hope going into yesterday's game - i mean, indianapolis had been so great all season. i had said all week they would have to play over their heads to win. and they did. what a crazy, crazy ending. hard to watch, even knowing the outcome. i cannot fathom having watched that live - i would have been found floundering in the fetal position.
then colin came over and we headed over to the comet to catch the allstars. great night. so glad we made it early - place was packed, which is what happens when people don't have to work the next day. kim and joyce joined us, as did charlie. and i got to eat one of their amazing burritos. mmmm....
interesting couple of days in my WW journal. seinfeld and war, back to back. crazy. still pondering what thurman now would say to thurman then. or vice versa. i do remember thinking (and maybe this is in the journal later) that i could just keep cycling south and go into mexico, avoiding any possibility of the draft. strange, strange time. surprised at how little i actually wrote about it on the day. semed like a much bigger deal in my memory than it did on the page. but like i said, maybe there's more coming later.
excellent meeting with the triemergent cohort - gathering of folks interested in discussing this thing called the emergent church. not much focus, but then there rarely has been. raised some more questions about church and if there are foundational issues that allow us to call ourselves Christian. i struggle with knowing if this desire to determine who is in and who is out is just a hold over from my upbringing or if there are foundational questions we must answer. i think we all can see how our stories mingle with The Story, even those that would never claim faith. but how much richer our interaction when we've experienced The Story.
saturday night i decided i shouldn't sit at home, so i took a chance and went down to see anthony and cleopatra at the cincinnati shakespeare festival. i knew the story, but not sure i had ever read it. i was underwhelmed. the supporting cast was much stronger than the two leads. anthony reminded me too much of jake on veronica mars and did not make believe he was one of the greatest warriors of his time. and cleopatra's interpretation was just wrong. she came off more like a spoiled rich girl than a mysterious, exotic queen. i never felt a real connection between her and anthony. and i didn't like either one of them enough to care. ah well. here's hoping julius caesar is better.
worst part: bea called while i was at the show to invite me to hang out with her and courtney. figures the one night i actually decide not to stay home.
hmmmm...i have things to share. but not sure this is the forum to do so. is this self-censorship? self-preservation? self-importance? self-delusion?
i'll let you figure it out.
Æ
Tunes: old 97's - am i too late
Wandering Wheels - 16 January 1991
As I write this, the United States is at war with Iraq. Where was I when it started? Biking toward Long Beach from where we camped.
Have you ever slept in a wind tunnel? I sure felt like I have. Last night was so incredibly windy that my clothes even started to blow away! Luckily I woke up in time to get them before they beat me to Long Beach! The wind definitely made the beginning of our ride rather an experience. It's not often that you have to pedal as hard as you can to get downhill. Plus, the road made it seem like we were back in Mount Vernon - the roads were so bumpy I had my second flat of the trip. But at least we got to stop in Malibu (actually, most of the first half of the trip was through there). Not far away they were taping something, though I'm not quite sure what.
We were the first to make it to Santa Monica and to Venice Beach for lunch. So we ate, I fixed my innertube and then we went for one of the most fascinating walks of the trip, down the boardwalk of Venice Beach. It was like stepping into someone's psychedelic flashback. So much action, so many interesting people. You got to see a little of what gives California its reputation as a strange state. People selling everything, reading tarot cards and telling fortunes, playing all kinds of music. One person from every walk of life was there, for the high class businessman to the reggae man selling super bongs, to the man in the Santa hat selling energy packs. We even saw some paintings/graffiti by R. Cronk. A coincidence? Who knows? We spent quite a bit of time soaking up the experience, then moved on.
Most of today's trip was right along the coast on bike paths, so we were right on the sand. It was a biker's paradise, sun, no cars, surf and great curves (both kinds). We rod on to Marina Del Rey, the largest man-made marina in the world. We got to see some UCLA sailors practicing out there. We rode on to Rodendo Beach and stopped along International Boardwalk and saw a 15 lb lobster (at $13.00 a pound, that's $175.00). It was here that we discovered that the US had attacked Iraq. We all gathered into a kite shop and listened to the radio.
By this time the sun had already begun to set. So it was suddenly a race against the sun to get to Long Beach. And it sure wasn't easy. Weaving in and out of traffic, getting held up by traffic lights, passing other groups, and still the darkness continued to fall. By the time we reached Long Beach, we'd added to our group two or three others and we all followed Randy (whose bike had a light) through the Long Beach twilight. It was a blast!
We finally reached our destination, the Long Beach YMCA. Talk about your nice facilities. We got warm showers, were able to swim and play a little basketball and the owner even washed our WW shirts for us. Scott, Dennis and I ate at Taco Bell, the spent some time in the Long Beach Plaza. Brad Fox, who used to be in the Repetory Co., lives out here and came to see Randy and I got to talk to him for a while. He seems to be enjoying himself. Then I played a little basketball (very little) and then I filled out half of my postcards. I've been tuning for most of the night to 106.7 KROQ, an alternative station out there. It's definitely one of the best I've ever heard. In fact, I think I'll fall asleep to it tonight. And speaking of sleep, it's time for it, being almost midnight. 415 miles down, more to go. Ɔ
Tunes: king's x - freedom
Have you ever slept in a wind tunnel? I sure felt like I have. Last night was so incredibly windy that my clothes even started to blow away! Luckily I woke up in time to get them before they beat me to Long Beach! The wind definitely made the beginning of our ride rather an experience. It's not often that you have to pedal as hard as you can to get downhill. Plus, the road made it seem like we were back in Mount Vernon - the roads were so bumpy I had my second flat of the trip. But at least we got to stop in Malibu (actually, most of the first half of the trip was through there). Not far away they were taping something, though I'm not quite sure what.
We were the first to make it to Santa Monica and to Venice Beach for lunch. So we ate, I fixed my innertube and then we went for one of the most fascinating walks of the trip, down the boardwalk of Venice Beach. It was like stepping into someone's psychedelic flashback. So much action, so many interesting people. You got to see a little of what gives California its reputation as a strange state. People selling everything, reading tarot cards and telling fortunes, playing all kinds of music. One person from every walk of life was there, for the high class businessman to the reggae man selling super bongs, to the man in the Santa hat selling energy packs. We even saw some paintings/graffiti by R. Cronk. A coincidence? Who knows? We spent quite a bit of time soaking up the experience, then moved on.
Most of today's trip was right along the coast on bike paths, so we were right on the sand. It was a biker's paradise, sun, no cars, surf and great curves (both kinds). We rod on to Marina Del Rey, the largest man-made marina in the world. We got to see some UCLA sailors practicing out there. We rode on to Rodendo Beach and stopped along International Boardwalk and saw a 15 lb lobster (at $13.00 a pound, that's $175.00). It was here that we discovered that the US had attacked Iraq. We all gathered into a kite shop and listened to the radio.
By this time the sun had already begun to set. So it was suddenly a race against the sun to get to Long Beach. And it sure wasn't easy. Weaving in and out of traffic, getting held up by traffic lights, passing other groups, and still the darkness continued to fall. By the time we reached Long Beach, we'd added to our group two or three others and we all followed Randy (whose bike had a light) through the Long Beach twilight. It was a blast!
We finally reached our destination, the Long Beach YMCA. Talk about your nice facilities. We got warm showers, were able to swim and play a little basketball and the owner even washed our WW shirts for us. Scott, Dennis and I ate at Taco Bell, the spent some time in the Long Beach Plaza. Brad Fox, who used to be in the Repetory Co., lives out here and came to see Randy and I got to talk to him for a while. He seems to be enjoying himself. Then I played a little basketball (very little) and then I filled out half of my postcards. I've been tuning for most of the night to 106.7 KROQ, an alternative station out there. It's definitely one of the best I've ever heard. In fact, I think I'll fall asleep to it tonight. And speaking of sleep, it's time for it, being almost midnight. 415 miles down, more to go. Ɔ
Tunes: king's x - freedom
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 15 January 1991
Well, so much for a day off. I am more exhausted now than almost any other time of the trip. This morning I woke right up (probably because I was sleeping outside in a canyon and it was very windy) and went and washed up 'cause we were gong to L.A. and Hollywood, so I had to look my best (well, at least for this trip). Then came the wonderful news: we were having class before we went to L.A. Which means Randy was collecting our journals. Thank God I had finished my homework. The classes so far have been interesting and this was no exception. We held it outdoors in an open amphitheater. How I wish all my classes were like that. We talked about communication and Tim, Chip and I "won" a little exercise on communication (Randy said ice cream for the first ones done, but later said he was kidding).
After class we loaded up, picked up the Taylor kids having class down the road and headed toward Los Angeles. On the way we stopped for a short tour of Pepperdine University. That was something else. $23,000 a year to go and we only found two Chevette's on the entire campus (and one was from out of state!). Then we drove on to Farmer's Market where we ate lunch and did some shopping. I finally got my postcards, which I need to send out as soon as possible. Then we drove through Beverly Hills. We didn't get to stop and shop but I think looking was quite enough (plus we'd never have gotten the girls out of there).
Then we drove on to the glamour capitol of the world, Hollywood. We drove down Hollywood Boulevard and let everyone off right after Mann's Chinese Theater. We were told to be back in an hour and a half at the bus. Not two minutes later, some people in our group found a guy who said we could get tickets to see the Tonight Show and the Seinfeld Show! Sudden change of plans! We were given half an hour to wander the streets then we had to get in the bus to go and wait in line. Talk about lucky breaks! Everyone was so excited!
So we looked around for a while and tried to find people's stars on the sidewalk (I couldn't find Errol Flynn or Fred Astaire). Then we got on the bus and headed off to NBC Studios in Burbank, California to see Jay Leno host the Tonight Show! I was so pumped. We were on our way when we realized Mike and Laurie weren't on the bus. Apparently they hadn't heard the message and no one knew they weren't there. So Matt, one of the drivers, drove back to try and find them. Meanwhile, the rest of us waited in line and were very loud and obnoxious (typical college students). The whole day almost made us forget that today was the deadline in the Middle East and Iraq's Sadaam Hussein. Almost. Even standing in line we wondered what was going to happen. It's been interesting being on this trip and the rest of the country is sitting around wondering and worrying about war.
Anyway, we waited in line for about an hour and we finally got into Studio One and The Tonight Show! The wait wasn't as bad because we were excited, plus one of the ushers came out and kind of entertained us. Lori Roberts went off on him when he almost asked for her identification.
The first thing I noticed about the studio was how small it was. Everything was really close together and the curtain was so small. The camera just makes it look big. The producer came out and welcomed us and then Doc Severinsen took over and warmed us up (he was wearing a bright neon green tie. Good ol' Doc!).
Then it was time for the show to begin. The guests were Jerry Seinfeld, Tyne Daly, Corbin Bernsten and Jeffery Osbourne. And of course, Jay Leno hosted. I lost my voice I screamed so much (wanted to get my voice on TV). The band was incredible! That would be my dream, to play in The Tonight Show Band. They were so tight and rocked the house. The show was a lot of fun (hopefully some people back home taped it for us), but I wouldn't want to be there every night.
After the show, Jay waved at us (ooo, thrill) and I got my ticket back before getting on the bus, which took us immediately over to CBS/MTM studios across town to see Jerry Seinfeld again on my favorite show on TV last spring, The Seinfeld Show. Man, what a day! We were sitting and being entertained beforehand by a band called Jerry's Kids. When they announced the names, I realized that the bassist used to play for Steve Taylor and Some Band. So during one of the breaks, I went over and talked to him and found out Steve has a new album coming out this week. Sounds like a must buy!
The stage for the show was split into four scenes, and they filmed scene by scene, sometimes once or twice. In between shots they had this comedian, Mark Jeffries, who was only vaguely amusing and who got downright crude occasionally. The best thing he did was play Stump the Band. I asked for I Want to be a Clone, but Glen Holmen wouldn't play it (well, not all - he played the bass riff really quick). Jerry came out and did a monologue (short, of course) and it was a riot!
The whole show as about how Elaine was going to move upstairs and how it would cramp Jerry's style and how Jerry tried to get out of it. After the show I waited around and got Jerry to sign my Tonight Show ticket. Yeah! Then we went out to the bus and went to McDonald's for dinner (at about 10:00) and then rode back to camp, listening to the news about Hussein and the possibility of war. A very eclectic, hectic and absolutely wonderful day off. Ɔ
Tunes: talking heads - road to nowhere
After class we loaded up, picked up the Taylor kids having class down the road and headed toward Los Angeles. On the way we stopped for a short tour of Pepperdine University. That was something else. $23,000 a year to go and we only found two Chevette's on the entire campus (and one was from out of state!). Then we drove on to Farmer's Market where we ate lunch and did some shopping. I finally got my postcards, which I need to send out as soon as possible. Then we drove through Beverly Hills. We didn't get to stop and shop but I think looking was quite enough (plus we'd never have gotten the girls out of there).
Then we drove on to the glamour capitol of the world, Hollywood. We drove down Hollywood Boulevard and let everyone off right after Mann's Chinese Theater. We were told to be back in an hour and a half at the bus. Not two minutes later, some people in our group found a guy who said we could get tickets to see the Tonight Show and the Seinfeld Show! Sudden change of plans! We were given half an hour to wander the streets then we had to get in the bus to go and wait in line. Talk about lucky breaks! Everyone was so excited!
So we looked around for a while and tried to find people's stars on the sidewalk (I couldn't find Errol Flynn or Fred Astaire). Then we got on the bus and headed off to NBC Studios in Burbank, California to see Jay Leno host the Tonight Show! I was so pumped. We were on our way when we realized Mike and Laurie weren't on the bus. Apparently they hadn't heard the message and no one knew they weren't there. So Matt, one of the drivers, drove back to try and find them. Meanwhile, the rest of us waited in line and were very loud and obnoxious (typical college students). The whole day almost made us forget that today was the deadline in the Middle East and Iraq's Sadaam Hussein. Almost. Even standing in line we wondered what was going to happen. It's been interesting being on this trip and the rest of the country is sitting around wondering and worrying about war.
Anyway, we waited in line for about an hour and we finally got into Studio One and The Tonight Show! The wait wasn't as bad because we were excited, plus one of the ushers came out and kind of entertained us. Lori Roberts went off on him when he almost asked for her identification.
The first thing I noticed about the studio was how small it was. Everything was really close together and the curtain was so small. The camera just makes it look big. The producer came out and welcomed us and then Doc Severinsen took over and warmed us up (he was wearing a bright neon green tie. Good ol' Doc!).
Then it was time for the show to begin. The guests were Jerry Seinfeld, Tyne Daly, Corbin Bernsten and Jeffery Osbourne. And of course, Jay Leno hosted. I lost my voice I screamed so much (wanted to get my voice on TV). The band was incredible! That would be my dream, to play in The Tonight Show Band. They were so tight and rocked the house. The show was a lot of fun (hopefully some people back home taped it for us), but I wouldn't want to be there every night.
After the show, Jay waved at us (ooo, thrill) and I got my ticket back before getting on the bus, which took us immediately over to CBS/MTM studios across town to see Jerry Seinfeld again on my favorite show on TV last spring, The Seinfeld Show. Man, what a day! We were sitting and being entertained beforehand by a band called Jerry's Kids. When they announced the names, I realized that the bassist used to play for Steve Taylor and Some Band. So during one of the breaks, I went over and talked to him and found out Steve has a new album coming out this week. Sounds like a must buy!
The stage for the show was split into four scenes, and they filmed scene by scene, sometimes once or twice. In between shots they had this comedian, Mark Jeffries, who was only vaguely amusing and who got downright crude occasionally. The best thing he did was play Stump the Band. I asked for I Want to be a Clone, but Glen Holmen wouldn't play it (well, not all - he played the bass riff really quick). Jerry came out and did a monologue (short, of course) and it was a riot!
The whole show as about how Elaine was going to move upstairs and how it would cramp Jerry's style and how Jerry tried to get out of it. After the show I waited around and got Jerry to sign my Tonight Show ticket. Yeah! Then we went out to the bus and went to McDonald's for dinner (at about 10:00) and then rode back to camp, listening to the news about Hussein and the possibility of war. A very eclectic, hectic and absolutely wonderful day off. Ɔ
Tunes: talking heads - road to nowhere
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 14 January 1991
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
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
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
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 7 January 1991
The word for today is awesome. I'm feeling absolutely great. Exhausted, but great. After a restful sleep at the church (a thousand times better than the bus), we got up and had a light breakfast. Then we headed down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was wonderfully fascinating. The aquarium is one of the best in the world. It focuses only on the marine life in Monterey Bay. The most interesting exhibit was the kelp forest, the only place where kelp is found inside. The aquarium is filled with water right from the Bay, brought in through pumps that used to be used for the cannery there. It was great to see the sea life that we'll be gong by on our ride. And it even came in handy today, the first day of biking.
After the tour of the aquarium and all the "critters," we met together and prepared for our riding by going over the rules of etiquette and some safety precautions. Then we split up into seven groups. My group, which I personally feel is the best, is Randy Cronk, group leader, Dennis Bailey, Tim Pressler, Chip Wall, Scott Jones and Ed Hardnett. We started from the church and rode around Pebble Beach to Carmel. In between was some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. We saw gorgeous shorelines, beautiful sunsets and breathtaking mountains. At one of our many stops, we saw a rock covered with sea lions. On shore the body of a sea lion (dead) washed up on shore. Once again I was able to see man's works against God's and God one hands down. Gorgeous houses and scenic golf courses (and houses with golf course on their front yards) and fancy cars galore.
But the coast and the life and the beauty of nature are what I'll remember always. All the scenery alone would have made the trip fantastic, but the group I rode with made it awesome (yeah!). Dr. Cronk stopped often enough so we could get pictures and make sure we took in everything (no, I'm not brown-nosing, thank you). The rest of the guys were helpful and hilarious and helped make the trip great (hey, a little alliteration never hurt anyone).
We stopped by the Carmel Mission when we got in town, but it was closed. Hopefully, we'll get to go tomorrow. Tonight we're staying in a youth center. Class was great tonight. Again, it wasn't so much the lesson but the getting together and sharing. I'll never look at mushrooms the same again. I really haven't seen much of Mike and Laurie today, but for some reason it's not bothering me as much. The only problems now are that I haven't written my friends back home (I can't find stamps) and that I'm beat. We start at 9:00 AM tomorrow and go 35-40 miles. Well, time for bed! More tomorrow (if I survive!) Æ
Tunes: king's x - we are finding who we are (live)
After the tour of the aquarium and all the "critters," we met together and prepared for our riding by going over the rules of etiquette and some safety precautions. Then we split up into seven groups. My group, which I personally feel is the best, is Randy Cronk, group leader, Dennis Bailey, Tim Pressler, Chip Wall, Scott Jones and Ed Hardnett. We started from the church and rode around Pebble Beach to Carmel. In between was some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. We saw gorgeous shorelines, beautiful sunsets and breathtaking mountains. At one of our many stops, we saw a rock covered with sea lions. On shore the body of a sea lion (dead) washed up on shore. Once again I was able to see man's works against God's and God one hands down. Gorgeous houses and scenic golf courses (and houses with golf course on their front yards) and fancy cars galore.
But the coast and the life and the beauty of nature are what I'll remember always. All the scenery alone would have made the trip fantastic, but the group I rode with made it awesome (yeah!). Dr. Cronk stopped often enough so we could get pictures and make sure we took in everything (no, I'm not brown-nosing, thank you). The rest of the guys were helpful and hilarious and helped make the trip great (hey, a little alliteration never hurt anyone).
We stopped by the Carmel Mission when we got in town, but it was closed. Hopefully, we'll get to go tomorrow. Tonight we're staying in a youth center. Class was great tonight. Again, it wasn't so much the lesson but the getting together and sharing. I'll never look at mushrooms the same again. I really haven't seen much of Mike and Laurie today, but for some reason it's not bothering me as much. The only problems now are that I haven't written my friends back home (I can't find stamps) and that I'm beat. We start at 9:00 AM tomorrow and go 35-40 miles. Well, time for bed! More tomorrow (if I survive!) Æ
Tunes: king's x - we are finding who we are (live)
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