Today was a really quick ride, but we had the chance to do some fun mid-day activities. A group of us had to chug a half-gallon of milk after losing a challenge, which made for an even harder but hilarious ride. Once we arrived at the stayover, we had the chance to shower, discuss our experiences and growth on the ride so far, and watch the 2007 I4K documentary that started it all!
Quote of the Day
“Oh! Nature Valley bars… they’re back again…” - Yuncong
RIDE OVERVIEW
Mileage: 29.2 Miles
Elevation: 1,116 ft.
Points of Interest: T&S EspressO Awakening, Highlander Motel and RV Park, Vegetable Man of La Pine
Ride Dedication: Mimi Bentel
Tales of the Trail
This morning, we had an early wake-up to get things rolling and finish up the day quickly. The first stretch of the ride was on the highway with a small climb that we all powered through since the day was so short. We eventually got off the highway and made our way to T&S EspressO Awakening, our first and only rest stop of the day! This wasn’t just a normal rest stop, as the group of us who got last place in the song challenge had to chug a half gallon of milk – some of us went for alternatives like soy and chocolate. This was an especially hard feat for the portion of us who participated in the spicy chicken sandwich challenge the night previous, as our stomachs weren’t doing too great, but we’ve built a lot of resilience on this ride and would not give up easily. We all lined up along the grass outside of the parking lot and got to chugging our milk as everyone watched in awe. Chugging the milk took quite a long time, and many of us were pacing along the trees wondering why we chose to partake in this challenge, but a good portion of us still managed to finish the milk (4/6), and we all made a great memory to look back on, despite what we put our stomachs through! The rest of the ride was fairly quick on flat forest roads.
Once we got to the church, we shuttled over to Highlander Motel and RV Park to use their showers, and we also got the chance to check out the Vegetable Man of La Pine Farmer’s Market, where some of us got fresh produce, and we also had the opportunity to do a portrait! Once we got back, we made sandwiches that were donated by the church, and we took some time to rest/relax. We also had the opportunity to do another teamwide “why we ride,” and we reflected on our experiences throughout the ride and how they’ve shaped us. It was great to hear everyone’s reflections and insights on the ride and how we’ve all gained new perspectives because of our experiences. We ended the night with pasta for dinner, and we also had a screening of the 2007 I4K documentary before heading to bed.
Thank you, High Lakes Christian Church, for giving us a place to spend the night and donating us sandwiches for lunch!
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Veronica Kozak
How are you feeling today?
A mix of emotions, good, and not bad, just a mix of emotions. This morning was really fun. We had a short day today, so we took a longer coffee stop, and did a silly milk challenge, which made the morning really funny, and we got into the stayover really early, so it was really nice to have time today. I've just had a lot on my mind these past few days, and we had a really lovely why we ride circle today, and it made me a bit emotional, because as I was talking about my experiences this year, I remembered and realized it has been five years since my uncle passed, and I missed the date a few days ago, and that kind of sent me in for a loop, and it made me extra grateful to be here. So it's just been a lot of emotions today, but mainly just very grateful and thankful to be here, even as this ride is wrapping up. I'm very fortunate to be doing this again, and just grateful to continue spreading awareness about cancer.
Which chore have you been doing for the team in the past week? Can you share your process doing this chore?
I don't have a set chore, but at the same time, I kind of have many as ride leader, you kind of end up helping around with everything and anything you can, whatever dynamic or static chores need. You make sure the van's always in order, to make sure things are tidy and clean, that group dynamics are doing well. A lot of it is behind the scenes and isn't always openly out there. So it might seem like I'm not always doing much, but I always feel like I never have time, or not enough time in a day to get everything done that needs to be done. But I love helping people out with their chores and making sure the ride continues to go smoothly.
What’s the best food you’ve eaten on the ride so far?
Yesterday, during our rest day in Bend, there was this cafe called Jackson's Corner, and I had the most amazing tomato soup. I haven't had soup in months, ever since the trip started, and typically I eat soup quite often. I love soup, and so having that yesterday just felt very homey, and it was just a very good and hearty meal, and I felt very fulfilled afterwards.
Do you have a favorite accessory to wear with your ride uniform?
I don't have many, but my bandana would be a good one. I struggled with it the first few weeks of the ride and didn't know how to tie it, but as soon as I found one that was the correct material and more flexible, it's been really nice to pull my hair back and to keep my scalp from getting sunburned and just keep my hair feeling a bit more clean. So I love my bandana.
Any favorite team memories so far?
Wow, there's been plenty. How do I choose just one? I really liked day 39. It was good, it was one of our camping days. I remember we passed through Leadville that day, and the group I had, the riding group I had for the day, was just all on the same page about just exploring and having a good time. We spent so much time in Leadville, I'm pretty sure we explored most of the city, and I just remember we visited a coffee shop and a visitor center and like, two bike shops, and an antique store, and then went to get food. Even though my eye was really irritated and bothered me the whole day, it was just such a fun day. We met some really cool people that day, like whether it was our waitress that called ketchup “chup” and was trying to find the eye drops for my eye, she was really cool. I just liked that day a lot, and our campsite was beautiful. We took a dip in the lake, and it was really cold and freezing, but it was so beautiful with the backdrop of the mountains. That whole day was just very fulfilling to be in that group and to have that memory. I think back to that day a lot and fondly, because I like taking a slower pace some days and just exploring and seeing the country and having those memories of meeting people and just having little moments in my mind of images where everything is just… still. I feel very happy with where I am.
Anything else you want to talk about?
I bought like six apricots today, and I've already eaten half of them, and I haven't had apricots in months. So this is amazing, and I also have a peach, and so I'm really excited to eat them during the rest stops tomorrow. If you ever need extra sweetness in your life, buy some fruit.