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Day 16
83 miles
Better. Immediately better because in my first ride (we go approx. 25 miles before having a SAG stop). I worked toward surrender and forgiveness during the ride. I’m not going to hold a grudge against the person I feel wronged me because it does no good. He’s firm in his belief and the only recourse would be to go to court -- something I’m not willing to do. It’s not a fight worth winning in the big picture. As my dad said, it may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it will offer you freedom (I’m paraphrasing but I think he’d approve).
I connected to the road more and to the journey at hand and that is what needs to be done. I have more questions to ask the guys as our relationship deepens and we see more of each other. Gary’s morning prayer was a good one, asking for patience and strength for and with each of us -- acknowledging the challenges of living in close quarters as we are, taking on as much as we are. Also, to keep us all free from judgment of each other and ourselves. Good thoughts.
The road itself is going to be flat for the forseeable future. It’s quite a bit different than riding through the southwest. Not a lot of challenges, save for the humidity and the bugs -- the mosquitos are NASTY out here. Bug spray -- my new best friend.
We took some fun pictures during the ride and are now off the road. As Geoff pointed out, we started yesterday in the rain and ended today with rain. We’re going to take a little cruise up the road to find some services. We’ll drive back out here in the morning so we make all of our miles.
The ride to the hotel was insane. We got a Kansas summer storm in full effect and that wind was no joke. It was a crosswind and our shoebox of an RV wasn’t taking it so well. Geoff at one point told Gary -- our fearless, if not reckless driver for the moment -- that when we began the trip he thought we might die on our bikes, but not at the hand of his crazy driving. It came across as “potentially” funny. Speaking with Geoff later, I found he was actually quite serious. Chris said, “You know, I thought this was the kind of weather you just pulled over during”. I added, “That’s conventional wisdom in my book”. None of us actually said, “Gary, slow down” so...there’s your report on the effectiveness of passive aggressive comments.
We got into a Best Western in Wichita and they have welcomed us with open arms. We distributed some t-shirts, bands and commitment cards and they loved them. It’s actually quite a cool hotel -- pool, sauna, hot tub, mini-golf course, video games, ping pong, shuffleboard...and then you leave the parking lot...(Hey-YO!).
One thing I have to say about Geoff, he is a tireless and extremely hard worker when it comes to keeping our bikes in shape. It’s the work any of us could do, but Geoff ends up volunteering for and doing a great job of it...even if it takes him a few tubes at a time.
Amazing dinner, by the by, at the Texas Roadhouse here by the Wichita airport. Just a big fun rib and steakhouse -- so what's a vegetarian doing there? I had some rice, mashed potatoes, vegetables a caesars salad and the most amazing thing: A sweet potato with carmel and marshmallows. UN-believable.
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on! Click here to tell us your definition of health.
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