Got My Funk Back

Today again I was determined to have a better day. The ride was one of our longest at 150kms and the road seemed to stretch on forever.
But it was very similar to riding in Southwestern Ontario with rolling hills and farms. The sun was very hot but the road was smooth and there were regular trees for shade.Once again we had a tail wind but this time it was actually on our tail!
There were several small towns along the route to help break up the ride. One was Atlanta that once held a POW Camp during WWII. Now apparently one prisoner actually escape but returned to the camp voluntarily as it was preferable to life in the wilds of Nebraska!


Also this one-Funk.

It was basically a grain elevator/rail stop and a car/implement repair shop. However they had these great University of Funk T-shirts which I needed to own.
I tried to use my Canadian debit card and while they processed it, flirted with the group of men having coffee there and told them about SeaToSea. Unfortunately, they couldn't process my Canadian card but the guys stepped up and offered me best wishes on my tour and to pay for my t-shirt as a gift. It was very kind and probably the first time I flirted my way into a t-shirt and not out of one.
I did have a great ride! Actually finishing before dinner!

Now last night I was talking with Doug about our memories and stuff so far on Sea To Sea.

Doug was very disappointed that he hadn't seen any wild life in nature other than road kill. On my ride today, I thought about what I could do to help him out with this. So Doug...this is for you.
A SouthWestern Ontario Cougar in her natural environment!

Horrible Hump Day

Today is the end of the first half of our tour days. We will hit the mileage 1/2 way on Friday. I had been feeling pretty good about my ride so far but that ended today. I got an early start and had a good crossing of the border into Nebraska.

Note the many gun shot holes in the sign.
We are back into the long, hot desert and the most noticeable thing along the road now are the hoards of grasshoppers. It is really amazing to see them flying out from the tires of the rider in front of you. This one decided to hitch a ride on my bike. Like I don't have enough weight as it is.

However, the mixed of direct sunlight, no shade, rough roads and a strong head wind was too much for my head at the 60kms mark. I quickly took my meds and called for a SAG which helped avoid a debilitating migraine and kept it to a manageable head ache. It is very disappointing for me to have missed so many kms and have them to make up. I just was able to get my missed kms finished this weekend and now I am 80 in the whole again. It is very frustrating for me, knowing that this obstacle is affecting my tour due to one driver's carelessness. That this shouldn't be a problem, that my body should be wearing out before my head is. But there is nothing that can be done that I'm not already doing.
However, while I was in the SAG, I discovered that there has been some discussions among our younger cyclists about my legs. Now I must admit that several people have mentioned how great my legs are. I usually respond that we are all cyclist so we all have pretty good legs.....and mine do a lot more weight lifting than others! Actually yesterday as the guys were sweeping us in, Brian was awed at "How cut my calves were!" Stephanie in the SAG was saying how toned my legs had gotten. I said that I had lost some weight but I didn't think that it was in my legs. "Oh no" She said, "we've talked about it." WE? Nick confirmed at dinner that my legs had been the topic of several conversations. That is a little intimidating. I remember talking to Florine about it a few weeks ago, about the compliments which seemed odd from a group of people who all had pretty good legs. "Well", Florine mused,"It's probably more that people look at your body and don't expect that your legs are great. It's unexpected."
Should good things be unexpected?
After dinner, there was an opportunity to swim at the local Y. Paul was headed over as he had a membership so it would be free. Would I like to come as his guest? It was the break I needed. I just grabbed an innertube and floated for a while and decompressed my head while my body cooled.
This gift was not expected but also not a surprise. I need to focus on the amazing opportunities I have been given, the kind and generous people who surround me and that even on my worst day, I am stilled very blessed.
As I type, fireflies are dancing around.

Travels with Terry

Terry is one of our new riders who had a tough day on Monday. It hard way to start and a little discouraging so I invited him along with me with the promise he would finish without being in pain.
We headed out with good spirits and our first stop was at this sign that promised continuing care. I also loved the name of it.

The funniest thing was that right beside it was the cemetery....Not exactly comforting for the residents!

The sweep team had their hands full when we discovered this scene. Paul and Teresa were there to try a rescue!

Terry was a lot of fun to ride with as we took an easy pace in the sun and found may interesting ways to have some breaks. Including a stop a a small cemetery that had several civil war soldiers buried. They had travelled to Colorado after the war together to settle the area and be rangers.
We had a few pushy comments from the lead of the sweep team about our pace but I told him to back off. We were doing fine, having a great trip and would make it to camp before the deadline. Apparently not everyone has a good understanding of sweep attitude and responsibilities.
Terry and pushed along against the head wind trying to make the 310 to Yuma!(Movie joke/reference...go look it up)

A proud moment when we arrived at camp at 6:30 with a great group of guys from the sweep team. Terry's wife Luanne has been following my blog so it was great to get to know Terry. Looking forward to more rides with him.

We are staying at a beautiful park in Wray, CO. After dinner we all went to the local pool to blow off some steam. There are 2 huge water slides there which are a blast. We started off doing solos but then decided to try some stunts as a group. Diane, one of our kitchen staff, hopped on behind me and we went down together with Diane clinging to my back and screaming like I was dragging her to the depths of Hades! The young group all started doing group descents too. Besty and I did several runs together and dragged John down with us. Alex and Doug joined me on a run as a "Gayle sandwich". With the 3 of us it was incredibly fast! On the second run however Doug was in front of me with Ryan behind. As we hit the water, Doug's head came back and caught me just below my eye. Hoping that it won't be black tomorrow.
A really great way to end the day.

The Start of the Longest Week

This week is the longest on the tour as we aim to complete 506 miles. We headed out of Denver along the bike path that is very similar to the London one.

Only the geese actually get out of the way when you come along.
We also passed by the Investco Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos. I went into the Security office to see if I could get a tour but there are no unscheduled events allowed for the next month as the Secret Service is in charge until August 28th when the Democratic Convention will be held there.

We settled into a long stretch and enjoyed the scenery.

Brian and Bert once again we with me. Our route took us on the Interstate highway 76 where we came across a couple with there camping trailer that had blown a tire. They had put on the spare but it was flat.

Brian actually was able to use his small bike pump to get enough air into it to get them to the exit and a service station. Above and beyond the call of duty. I love the quaint little towns along the route and the fun they seem to have.

As we fought to continue our route a wicked storm came blowing across the plains. The cross wind was extreme and it was more of a battle to keep the bike straight than it was to pedal but I was able to complete 145kms.
Unfortunately, sad news was waiting for us at camp. Cynthia, one of our cyclist had fallen during the ride and had suffered a concussion and a broken pelvis. She will be unable to continue.

Sunday in Denver

So last night I went to the movies and on my way out of the school yard, I noticed that the sprinklers were on in the front yard. Good! that is why they have us camping out on the back field. On my way back from the movies, I met up with Jody, Kevin, Theo, Kaitlyn, Brian and other young folk who needed some supervision as they explored Denver. When we got back to camp at the school the grounds were abuzz once again with the sound of sprinkler's. Manley and others had their tents and belongings drenched and others were in the process of trying to locate the offending sprinklers. I headed to my tent and was once again spared a flood but I saw Larry carrying a large garbage pail in the darkness. I offered to help and we headed towards a sprinkler going full force under a plastic box. The box was mostly working but it had side handles so when the sprinkler rotated it went right through the handles. We did a fancy two-step and quick hand maneuver and got the sprinkler covered with the garbage can...with only a little water spraying on us.

In the morning we all saddled up together for the outdoor service. It was really cool all riding in together. That was all that was cool as the weather was hot fast and the volunteers did an amazing job continually distributing water throughout the stands. After lunch it was relax and sight-seeing time. Jody and I went shopping at a local bike store for new shorts as we are starting the marathon weeks with two 182kms days in the near future. Karen and I decided that a trip to BEN & JERRY'S was in order so we hopped on our bikes. On the way, we noticed that my tire was a little low so we had the bike shop pump it up. We had our ice cream but by the time we were leaving the tire was flat again. Not just soft but so flat the tire wasn't even holding to the rim! We used Karen's hand pump to get enough pressure to walk to a gass station. It was like trying to pump a car tire with a floor pump! We got it up and started walking but in just a few blocks it was flat again. I lifted the back tire and just rolled on the front as we continued to walk hoping that the station would be close. Much to our delight we found another bike shop first. I decided that I was more than willing to pay to have them fix it for me and they gave me the labour free when I asked about a Sea To Sea discount!
Tonight we welcomed 15 new riders to our family. It was great to see Rita Beerda again. She had actually greeted me when I came in from Saturday's ride. Also I got to meet Terry. His wife, Luanne has been following my blog(blogstalking as Terry called it!) and has commented and sent me emails. It is always a good thing to help the newbies prepare so Hans and I decided to give him a handbook for some tips.

Another great day of rest. The next 2 weeks are filled with long days as we head out of the Rockies and through the plains of Nebraska and Iowa.

NEEDED-Donation request- Anyone?

Hey! so(sew) there is a need on the tour for a portable but durable sewing machine. I have a torn tent, there are various clothing repairs and a few projects where this would be helpful. We are on the road from Denver to Freemont. Anyone out there that can help? Or have a solution?
Thanks in advance for anything you can do!

A Fond Farewell to Florine

One of the delightful characters I have had the pleasure of cycling with is Florine.

Mother of 2 from Athabaska, AB, she has a quiet nature with a clever wit that made being friends with her very easy. We joked together over the thin straight lines of the elevation maps(we thought they had to be ladders!) and when I asked to speak for her at the send off, she looked at me and said "Oh! No!"
Florine is kind with a grace of understanding. One day while riding together, we were discussing how there was discussion about why someone like me would do this type of ride.
Florine was clear why I was here."To me, you represent all of those who said, I can't, I shouldn't, I'm too.... Your here to be different and I say you go. You inspire me."
She has left us in Denver to return home to her family. Fulfilling her 2005 desire to be part of the Canada tour, she found the balance of her family and her dreams.

Florine will be missed but this is not good bye, it's until God brings us together again.

The Last Mountain Pass

A cool morning is what we woke up to at the Snow Mountain YMCA. The last of the Mountain Passes through the Rockies was our first hurdle of the day. A lot of us were feeling the effects of the altitude and the incline was steep. I got part way up but felt the headaches intensify so I took a 15km SAG ride while the meds kicked in and then finished the summit. 11 307ft at Berthoud Pass.


Unfortunately we had a serious accident on the road today. Tyler was at the end of a pace line when it suddenly slowed down without anyone calling out. His front tire hit the leg of the rider in front, jackknifed and sent him flying. His helmet saved his head and face but his shoulder took the brunt of the fall and his collar bone is broken. After a trip to the hospital, he has had to withdraw from tour with a heavy heart. As some one who has had an accident that could have ended my tour, my heart and prayers are with him. May he be surrounded by a great medical team as I have had and God bring quick and sure his healing.
The coast down was amazing but cautious as we maneuvered around some pretty tight switchbacks. Even stopping some time to actually warm up as jackets had been left in the SAG and the wind was dropping the temperature by several degrees. At the bottom, Marti, Dale and I enjoyed a beverage at the Hard Rock Cafe next to the town hall.

We followed the Colorado river along the road as we headed towards Denver and got to see this group of white water rafters.


Once again, what was suppose to be all downhill turned into another nasty 1000ft climb on the back roads to Denver. I should know by now not to fall for that promise!
Also got a little off track in a small town, Idaho Falls, where I stopped and asked for directions from the owner of this cockatoo. Her name is Sweetie.

Finally arrived in Denver to a warm, enthusiastic reception in Denver that included gift bags and all sorts of goodies and ice cream.

A special treat of a whole package of letters and gifts from friends, family and even some blog followers was also waiting for me. It was a great way to close out my day as it was my adoption day yesterday. Officially 40 years of being Gayle Harrison.

From Dread to a Dream

Today was a day I had been dreading. The only route I had looked at in the Shifting Gears book. It was odd at only 55kms during week 4 but I soon noticed why. IT was an incline from 7000ft to 8700ft-a killer with no oxygen.
But what terrified me on paper soon became a dream ride. Most of the incline was very gradual and through the Byers Canyon. Words cannot describe the beauty but I hope pictures can.

Lynn and I marvelled at the cliff walls that were around us.

And were a little nervous at the grass clippings along the side of the road.

If there was any way to find a needle in a hay stack 150 cyclist unfortunately could do it!
We spotted some fly fishing happening in the Colorado River running beside us through the canyon.

And more Alpacas on Shepperd duty.

We had been joined by Audrey, a young girl from Quebec who was travelling on her own through the West coast and the only person we had seen that was carrying more stuff than me. Her bike and gear weight 80lbs. But I did the math and with body weight difference and stuff I bet we would come out even! Nick thought he would like to cycle a mile in her shoes literally so he took a turn on her bike.

This lovely route took us through the small towns of Hot Sulphur Springs that had a spa with natural hot spring soaking tubs and Granby.

The other day, I was riding with Josh for a while. His gears weren't working well and he was disappointed that he wasn't able to catch up with anyone. "You caught up with me!" I said. He smile"OK but not the people I usually ride with." Fair enough. I asked Josh about how his tour was going. His enthusiasm was glowing-"Are you kidding? I get to get up every day and ride my bike. Does it get any better? Also I have really enjoyed some of the amazing conversations I have been able to have."
Josh has received a gift early in life. He knows the gifts he had been given by God and celebrates them. Today I understood his joy in riding. Yes Josh, we get to ride our bikes each day....a gift and privileged way to explore God's world.

Through the Rockies

Today we headed out on our longest day with a 8 mile, 7% grade at the 2/3 point. FUN.
Started out riding with Peter, a student at Redeemer and a fun cycling partner. He is cheerful and encouraging and all around fun. Which is why he was game to stop when this huge Sand crane flew over top of us and I needed to stop for a picture. OK so the grass was almost as high as the bird from the road so I thought I could get closer by going through the ditch. Peter warned me that it looked swampy and he was right. I got half way in and started sinking and then something bolted through the under brush so I hightailed it back to the road. As Peter describes it-Gayle disappeared into the grass and brush then quickly reappeared crying"Critter!".
Then we heard Lois coming up behind us"Hey! Not fair! That thing is faster than I am!" as she cycled along side this one running along the ditch. At the first SAG we switched partners and I got to ride with Dale for the first time.

A witty and adventurous guy, I showed him how to get Sea To Sea discounts along the way. Just ASK. Dale then saw a sign for a driving range which he said he couldn't pass by without hitting a few balls. That was until he saw the 9% gravel grade up to the entrance. He said he would pass but was impressed that I was one of the few cyclists who would be willing to stop for such a silly thing. All part of the journey Dale.
We headed up to the summit of Rabbit Ears pass and the Continental divide. Up there we met up with Opa Ralph and lifted our bikes in celebration.


Everyone was impressed that I could actually lift mine. Hey, anyone can lift one of those high tech light weight road bikes(well maybe not everyone, eh, Ralph?) but I say if you can't lift it don't ride it.
We celebrated with M&M Peanuts, JellyBellys and Coke.
Here are some of the sights and views...what a beautiful ride.





On the coast down the road had no shoulder and raised 4inches from the gravel side. As I was coasting up a rolling hill a side wind caught me and I was over the edge and desperately gripping the handlebars and unclipping trying to regain control in the 2 feet of loose sand gravel, before I flipped down the 20foot drop to my right. Praise God for strength, calmness and fat tires and I stop the bike without falling or flipping. Lynn and Roger were behind me and amazed that I had been able to pull out of it. They had been ready to pull me up the drop.
Once again a great ride though long.
Also, after a meeting with the Sweep Team leaders, there has been some procedure changes that meet the needs of our community. Sweep will be the last riders in each day. Riders will be pulled off the ride by SAGs if they are not going to arrive at camp at a reasonable time. Praise God that we were able to work together to find balance for everyone. Thanks to the Leaders of both SeaToSea and the Sweep team for working this out. Peace

To My Commenter

On Friday's blog someone commented- why would a christian go to the movie The Dark Knight? I can't speak for all Christians but let me tell you my reasons.
First, I do movie reviews for a London radio station BX93 so it's kinda a job requirement. I go to movies for several reasons and all genres- entertainment, cultural knowledge and experience, an escape from the world for a few hours BUT I never go looking for an affirmation of my faith. If you look to Hollywood for that your are searching in the wrong place and the wrong people.
But it does give me insight into pop culture and society so that I can apply my faith in a real and relevant way to our broken and fallen world. I can't say that a movie is bad or good or have any type of judgement on it if I haven't seen it. I believe we are called to be in the world but not of it and it is easy for me to have that separation while I enjoy the art and entertainment of our society.
Not everyone can or wants to do this. That is there choice and the grace of free will under God's love and guidance.
Hope that helps.

Free and Easy Down the Road I Go

This was the day I had hoped for on Monday but rewarded with today. Although it had a rough start with me having my phone locked in a truck so I was unable to call an update into Grace FM(Sorry I'll try again tomorrow)I headed out into our overcast day with hope of a great ride. Today I just needed to be on my own. On the way out of town there was a sign. No Gas for 49miles. Actually there was nothing but desert for 49miles but I looked at it as -HEY in 49 miles I get to see something other than was wonderfully peaceful and allowed me to get lost in my head and process some of desert!


I set myself a reasonable pace and focused on enjoying my ride and my day. I the emotions of the last few days. 141kms of mountain style rolling "hills" but I was sure I could do it.
This area had recently had a wild fire.

It was my favourite ride yet and the sweep team didn't even catch up to me until about 2/3s of the ride was done...one of my personal bests. They were having a great time too and were more than willing to ride with me to the finish. We coasted into the "town" of Maybell and visited the local store...the only store.


They were so happy to have us pass by and Betsy, Sarah and I all bought Maybell T-shirts. Hey anyone can get a Denver CO t-shirt but the Maybell ones...well those are rare!
We watched a storm over the mountains as we settled into the last of our ride and sure enough the last 20miles hit us with a nasty head wind.
We passed this coal power plant just outside of town.

And found this little guy who looked a lot like our sweep leader Reuben.

Reuben filled the time with conversation about my opinion and attractiveness rating of men in spandex and shaven legs..apparently some informal research he is doing on the trip!
We braved it out and finished the day. No headache, no pain, no meds....Amen

Tuesday-Surrounded by Angels

It was again a sunny hot day as we prepared to leave Utah and enter Colorado. It was another long day but smaller inclines as we pedalled our way to Dinosaur, Colorado. It was a very HOT and desolate route but we settled in as we scouted fro dinosaur statues. specifically a pink one in Vernal, Utah. At the first SAG, I met up with Alex. He was saying that he was feeling good and riding at about 23.4. I looked at my speedometer and I was running an average 23.5km/hr! I told Alex and high 5'ed him only to be told he was talking miles. Oh Well!
About 1/3 of the way along, I was walking up a steep hill when the gear and kitchen trucks honked hello as they passed. Just then, the RV that our nurse Alida drives passes me but then with the left signal light on suddenly veers across the traffic, cutting off a large truck and slides deep into the ditch at a steep angle. I knew that Teresa was riding with Alida that day and KNEW some serious had happened. I ran up the hill calling out their names(Teresa said she had never seen me move so fast. I'm wondering if this qualified me for the running club.) Both ladies were safe but had suddenly lost power and brakes in the RV and that was their only option to stop it. The trucks were soon back to get them on the road.

The next stretch of route was straight dessert with no shade and an unforgiving sun. I reach Julie's SAG and was concerned that I was going to get into migraine condition so to be preventative, I SAGed with Julie to the next SAG. It gave Julie and I a chance to find this cowboy dinosaur in Vernal.

At the next SAG, clouds had started moving in so I was back on my bike for the last 25miles all uphill but at least out of the sun. We reached the Colorado border and the last 3miles into town and to the park seemed to last forever.


The park we camped at was covered in gopher holes like a bad scene from the movie Caddyshack. After dark, when I was updating my blog, I could hear several dogs barking to the howls of the coyotes. As I walked back to my tent through the sleeping camp I heard movement by the darken gear truck. Gopher or Skunk? I shined my flashlight over to catch a glimpse of 3-4 coyotes sniffing around. I was very glad that there was a chain fence between us the truck and the tents.