No sign of the running club yet

It was a cool evening and the first one that I used my sleeping bag. Now I woke up before my alarm, and had to go to the nurse for fresh bandages on my foot. The bleeding has stopped but it’s going to take awhile for this one to close up. While at the nurse’s RV, I heard the distance sound of my alarm going off. As I headed back to my tent, one of the young guys, Nick was “knocking” on my tent. Buddy, if that hasn’t woken me up by now, I’m dead and you can just go in! “Gayle, that is 20mins of sleep I will never get back!” Actually, everyone around my tent got up to my alarm…I think tonight I will have a safety zone marked around my dwelling. And Nick can now do a perfect impersonation of my alarm clock!
Today’s 80km ride, headed south east through the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Yakima River.


This ridge is pure desert and although it was hot, there were clouds and a slight breeze to give us some relief. The mountains are bare and there are never any trees naturally growing there although really cool tumbleweeds are a frequent sight. I saw my last chance for shade before a long stretch so perched myself on the ledge and enjoyed the view.

As I headed through the town of Benton City, I was unsure if I was headed in the right direction so I stopped at a house where a couple were working in the yard and asked for directions. They were very kind and mentioned that it was a hot day for a bike ride. I told them about the tour, handed them a card and they were amazed. I told them that several other cyclists would be passing by throughout the day. I thanked them for the help and was about to head off on my way when the lady said she had an ice maker and could she fill my water bottles before I left. Well it seemed rude to decline….especially since we hadn’t had ice since we left Seattle!
Everyone I met up with was in awe…Where did you get THAT! So much for not being in a third world country and having the luxuries of home available. Yes, ICE has become a luxury!
Cruising along, Florine and Nathan caught up with me and we rode together for a bit. Both are much better cyclists than I am but very encouraging as they think it is amazing that I am trying to do this. Florine said that to her I represent anyone who says they can't, they shouldn't or they're too. This led to a very frank discussion about women and their body image that I'm sure Nathan was wishing he didn't have to be a part of but was too fasinated to leave. I like him already!
I was having a great ride and was heading to camp with an arrival of 1pm. Just as I came into town I passed a group with the SAG fixing a flat. I had only gone 2 blocks before I felt my bike slowing down and sure enough, my back tire was flat too. I waited and a few minutes later, Nurse Betsy with the SAG and the other group came to rescue me.

A quick patch job and I was on the go again. I was chatting and cruising with Matt and then he decides to sprint ahead a bit. Just as he got out of sight, barely 1kms from the tire repair and the back tire was flat again. NOT FUN.

I have done 4000kms on these wheels with no flats and now 3 in 24hrs. I called Betsy, who was at camp by now, and asked her to bring the spare wheel. We switched them out and I finish….3pm. The flats are due to nasty 2 prong thorns called goatheads that come off those tumbleweeds.

We were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Kennewick CRC. They were ready to billet us, shuttle us to Laundromats and stores, and offered lots of entertainment. Several of them came up and introduced themselves saying “With that hair, you must be Gayle Harrison. We have been following your blog and praying for you!” Their Pastor Dan introduced himself and asked what nationality I was-“You’re way to much fun and a free spirit to be Dutch!”
It was then off to a laundromat with Janet, a local parishioner, who had sacrificed watching the baseball game to be our shuttle. She was gracious and kind, saying that they were just so honoured that the tour was staying here and what could they do to make it easy and fun for all of us.
Tonight, we also took all of our belongings out of the gear truck so it could be cleaned. It’s amazing how tossled your stuff can get in just a week. I found the kitchen trolley cart and loaded both my baskets and gear in one trip. Pastor Len, who saw me, said, “I’m not surprised it was you who thought to use the trolley but I am surprised you didn’t find someone to haul it for you!” He’s starting to know me well!