Sunday, May 20, 2007

What a difference a day makes...

Yesterday was my dream day, today I was ready to get off the bike as soon as I got back to the hotel. A rainy 87 miles with cool temperatures makes for a tough day. We rode really hard the last 40 miles in the rain and I won the sprint into Bativia and we rocketed into a chocolate shop and then downtown to consume a large pizza between three guys.

We stopped at a bicycle museum half way here where we were able to view the progression of bikes from the kind you walked over to the high wheeled "ordinary" and then the bikes that looked more similar to what they do today. When bikes were evolving in the late 1800's it transformed culture like the computer has in our time. Bicycle's spawned many inventions including pneumatic tires, roads and even morphed into the first automobiles. There is some controversy if a Frenchman or an American "invented" the bike. Well I'm happy to tell you that patent information is pretty conclusive that the USA was first?

Only 4 more days of riding left, all of which are greater than 120 miles. The forecast is good so it looks like we will have a nice ending to an incredible trip.

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it. - Ella Williams

3 comments:

Suz said...

Ah...I'm sure these next couple of days will be bittersweet...sweet to come home...bitter to come to the end of such a wonderful adventure. You know when God gives a gift...it is usually more than we could dare to dream...or hope...or even to ask for. I'm thrilled for you that the gift of this past month has been more than you could dare to ask for. Once you've reconnected with your family...dinner at our house...to hear all your stories!! :)
Enjoy the next two days to the fullest!! Blessings - Suzie

Rick J said...

Hey Rob, great to see that you guys have almost finished your "quest"! I don't know too many people who have seen this great country from coast to coast as you have. This will be something you will be talking about for years to come!
Friends forever!
Rick Johnson

paulkcc said...

Rob, it's been great getting to experience this ride across the country vicariously through you and your friends. I've really enjoyed reading the blogs. It sounds like it's been a blast for you. I know you'll be glad to see your family again. We'd love it if you'd bring Jess and the kids(and your bike), and come down to Bolivar and stay with us some weekend. God's blessings on you and yours. Thanks for letting us all go along on your ride, Paul Casey

 

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