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The first day of really getting some distance under my belt I put in 50kms. That was yesterday. That, my friends, was a very hard day.
Here are some of the reasons I think it was so hard:
- I'm out of shape
- it was mostly all uphill
- I need more gears on my bike
- there was a head wind most the way, plus rain.
- I had a spare tire strapped to the back that was rubbing against my back tire
- my back rack was angled downward so the over 40 pounds on my back rack was working against me and pulling me backward. Great.
- I got a flat tire.
Let me expand on the last one.
I had planned to cycle 70 kms. I was 20 away from the next campsite. I stopped in Benneydale to have a cup of tea to warm up. When I got on my way again and was heading up a very big hill - I got a flat. It was pouring rain, bitter cold, and gusting strong winds. I had to either hitchhike or find shelter to fix my flat before continuing. I had no idea where I would find the energy to continue after it was repaired.
I was chanting the word "truck" trying to will one my way that I could catch a ride with. During my chants a warm and welcoming stranger offered her help.
When I told her my plan to continue, she immediately made a bed for me, began making me a cup if tea and cooking a warm meal. I even had a hot shower and thought an angel had been sent down to save me.
I acquired an instant family. Perhaps that flat was a blessing in disguise; in fact I'm certain it was. Izzy, her granddaughter and friend made me feel so at home and comfortable it's as if we'd known each other for years upon years. I hope that I can offer that level of love and hospitality to others. What a beautiful gift she has.
I left the next morning after izzy made me a hearty breakfast to fuel me through the long day ahead.
She offers a great example of how to send and receive positive energy in this world. I promise to pay forward the hospitality she has shared with me.
- comments
Lany This is such a wonderful story. I am obsessed with reading the play-by-play of your adventures!