Like always I thought to myself "I just rode my bike to Nebraska"
Yesterday was quite an interesting day. Probably more so due to the fact that we were cycling faster than the speed of sound (24 to 30 mph) and covered a distance of more than 90 miles in less than five hours! It was just one of those days where riding your bike is a breeze. As long as you keep your legs spinning, your bike keeps cranking, and with the addition of long ups and some very long downs my bike and I got to my new personal speed record of 40 mph! I’m sure my face looked similar to that of a dog sticking his face out of the window of a moving car- face skin flapping and eyes watering. We ended that day in a town by the name of Phillipsburg with another free night of camping, but only after poured rain for a couple of hours. We spent those two hours hanging out on a bench in the bathroom which sat two feet from the sink, toilet, and urinal. That’s how we like to spend quality time on our road trip. Dirk and Marcus, Livin it up.
Today however wasn’t as glorious as yesterday or at least it didn’t start that way. It started at 5 30 am, we packed and did some tooth brushing and headed out. I managed to eat a syrup soaked plate of waffles before we headed our way west toward Denver. What made today so bad was that we had been spoiled by forgiving winds for the past few days and the sudden change of wind direction and hilly terrain really kicked our ass so to speak. Our progress went from a solid 20 mph to an embarassing 12 mph which proved to be more of a test of patience than physical ability.
My favorite part of the day was when I was at a dead stand still in the process of taking a photo of a cool looking mirage on a hilltop when 15 seconds later marcus comes plowing into me from behind with his bike. The chain ring took a good slash out of my left leg which I later convinced my mom was actually a racoon bite just for S’s and G’s (shits and giggles). I think I’ll be okay, I don’t think they need to amputate or anything.
One day after that ^^
Now we’re in Nebraska. A lot of hills, towns are 30 miles apart now and we’re getting to a point in the country where towns have populations of 76. No shit.. We just went through a town with 76 people in it, I thought the lady was lying to me at first. It’s kinda cool how much hospitality has increased since we’ve gotten to the midwest. In the past two nights 2 different couples took us up on some dinner. I figure this is what makes something like this worth it. Not the free bees you get from people who like what you’re doing, but the occasions that you get to share with them and it’s nice to know that kindness still exists on the planet. Bill and Donna were the nice couple who bought us dinner and desert last night! They had plenty of kids (which is probably why their parental instincts took over),plenty of good jokes, and were on a road trip of their own to missouri. They treated us to dinner, forced us to get pie, and even bought us breakfast and coffee before we left for the days 90 mile cycle. It was probably one of the best nights yet!
It’s hard to imagine the generosity that complete strangers have showed us on this trip.
Whether it’s giving us a coke to keep the spirits high or giving us a place to sleep at night, everything that everyone has done has helped me push farther physically and mentally than I ever thought i could go. I started this trip as an work and school exhausted college student, and it’s transforming me into a more mature and experienced person. This trip isn’t easy, but like I tell every one who asks me if its been “worth it”. The harder something is, the greater the reward- I believe in that.
(A little thank you to everyone:) )
Hi Dirk Boy! I really enjoy reading your blog. I just cannot believe thaat you are already in Nebraska. I see from reading your blog that you are experiening the best of ‘America the Beautiful’ and that is its people! You are now in the heartland of the U.S. and I am so happy for you that you are meeting some of the best people America has to offer. I trust it meeting these people will give you a renewed sense of hope for this great country of ours. Thank you Bill and Donna for your kindness and generosity and for opening your heart to these two most outstanding kids – Dirk and Marcus. Whether you know it or not you have made an ipmact on two youn men that will last a life time. People like you are what makes the U.S. a great place to live. So THANK YOU!
Paul