Share The Road - On the road - Day 4

Day 4 * Quartzite, AZ at Congress, AZ * June 30, 2005 We got up extra early this morning -- 3 AM for a 4 AM takeoff. We got off in pretty good time. It was dark and interesting being on the road at that hour. Riding the freeway with a headlight and the tailight going (as my beacon of “please don’t hit me”) was a faith thing -- thankfully, it worked. We stopped after the first big climb -- only about 14 miles or so. I was anxious to get going as the sun was rising. I rolled out but really didn’t have much energy. Something about the road was dragging/nagging at me. Then I saw what it was -- a flat tire. I tried to fix it but ended up popping a second tube. Gary and Geoff showed up and helped me out. I was a little disappointed in myself for not being able to figure it out. Geoff made it look easy. I rolled out after the guys and took a couple of interesting pictures. We stopped again at Hope, AZ. It was funny as Gary was there first and made a really big deal about “winning” a leg. It seemed to really pump him up. It feels like there may be some passive aggressiveness coming from him about the way I blow down the road. Chris commented that it seems like we’re racing -- that’s directly at me, I think, as I’m the one finishing way ahead every day. I can see where it makes his life difficult trying to serve the whole group. My thought is -- then don’t serve us all. I’ll ride as I do and if you need to stay with Gary to make sure he’s okay, since he’s struggling the most, I totally understand and concur with that decision. I’ll take a few extra bucks with me and get the water I need as I see it. I say that because I'm still concerned about being on the road with the heat. Also, as the one documenting this trip, I'd like to be in position to do so -- and the bike, itself, is a very difficult position to do so. We rolled on from there. I blew through Wenden, which was supposed to be our next stopping point. I simply don’t like stopping that much. I don’t want to wait. I want to continue riding -- I see things as I’m going, and, yes, I stop and take pictures and/or video. But the experience is larger than the road to me. It is about what’s after the road -- getting into camp and reflecting and hopefully meeting and sharing with others. Enjoying some good food and drink and listening to a ball game, for instance, would be nice, too. It is what it is. Chris came looking for me. We had a long talk about the team. He feels we’re not as together as we could/should be. I understand that. I also understand each of us doing our own part. My point is, if I am to sacrifice my enjoyment of the ride by going slower so that we stay together, I don’t think think that’s fair to me. Am I being selfish? I don’t think so. I think doing my part to be as healthy as possible is supporting the team. It’s Chris’ job to support us as we need it. If Gary needs more, I think he should get more. I don’t need as much. I talked to Gary a little and he downplayed the concerns. We will have another conversation later, I’m sure. I rolled back to my place where Chris left me and finished the ride -- which felt longer than I thought it would -- largely because the road was so long and straight and it was SO HOT. At any rate, got into town and felt good. Finished it strong -- actually tore into town at 22+ mph. So now what? Pictures and video download. Let the day unfold. As there is a huge fire in front of us (along tomorrow's suggest route) we're going wheels up tonight and will be rerouting in the morning. We're not shorting ourselves any of the miles -- if anything we're probably adding a few. For tonight, we stay at Gary’s friend's place in Scottsdale -- Beautiful place!