Thursday, September 23, 2010

headwinds

Encountered some stiff headwinds today. Not only do they slow you down, but the fatigue factor is significant. That, along with several challenging hills, made for a hard day. Biked 62 miles to Brookings, the Southernmost city in Oregon. I will cross the California border fairly early tomorrow morning. And then, more hills. The Northern California hills are the highest and steepest on the West Coast. I am a little intimidated as I read about them. They say there are bicycle saddlebags on the side of the steepest roads. I think that is folklore, but it underscores the challenge ahead of me. After fighting the headwinds and hills today, I asked myself for the first time, "What the heck am I doing out here?" Kim is going to meet me around San Francisco a little over a week from now. We are then going up the Oregon Coast together by car, head over to Portland and then drop down into Boise to see our daughter Tawnie and her family before heading home. So, it looks like I am going to cut my tour a little short so that Kim and I can spend some time together out here. She has always wanted to see the Oregon Coast. No rain the last three days. It's been great and I have finally witnessed the beauty of this wonderful place. Well, wish me luck on the big hills tomorrow. Jerry

4 comments:

  1. Ooosh, I hate those nasty headwinds! I think it is human nature to ask ourselves what the heck we are doing when we are standing at the bottom of a hill. It's when you get to the top that you find your answer. You'll do great Dad you don't need luck.

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  2. Wow, Ryan. I was just telling this to Tony Robbins and he said you are the best Motivational speaker he has ever heard. Actually, it was quite well said! As for you Jerry, I can't believe how fast you are making it down the coast. Stay strong on those hills and hopefully your saddlebags will choose to stay with you. It's great that Kim is going to meet you. Although, I was hoping you would make it to Tijuana so you could fill your saddlebags with my future labor force. Maybe next time. Good luck tomorrow.

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  3. You're heading into a really tough area there. My dad rode his bicycle through there 26 years ago and had some close calls with traffic and struggled with the hills. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

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  4. Thank you all for your encouragement. And, I will be careful. Thank you for your prayers.

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