Good People

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - Day 23

Distance traveled - 43 miles

I took some time this morning to examine my bike and see what the hell was causing all these flats. I took all my gear off and the rear rack. I examined the wheel and couldn't see exactly what was causing the flats, but I decided I needed to pad the inside of the rim somehow. Luckily I carry electrical tape with me, so I lined the whole inner rim with a layer of electrical tape. Put a new tube on there and it seemed to be fine. So I put everything back together and set off on the road. That was my last spare tube, so I needed to stop at the next bike shop, which would be in Fort Bragg, and stock up on some tubes and a better patch kit, as well as some more spokes and chain lube.

The ride today was much nicer than yesterday's. No mechanical problems. It was overcast and foggy for a lot of the time on the coast, but there were plenty of nice views inland, and during mid afternoon it was mostly clear. I was just so happy to not have to fix any flat tires or broken spokes. I passed by the road I would have turned down to go inland if I were still going to the Land of 10,000 Buddhas, a Buddhist temple right by Ukiah. I had heard that you can spend the night there and take part in their rituals, but when I called them yesterday, the man on the phone said they did not have overnight stays. I was confused. On their website it said that you could if you called ahead. I figured that somehow I just didn't say the right thing. Oh well. It's much hotter inland, and I enjoy the coast oh so much.

Stopped in Fort Bragg at the bike shop and a camping supply store. I got some necessary bike accessories so I can take care of any more problems that come up. I have enough spokes now to practically rebuild my rear wheel. I hope it never comes down to that. I don't think I have enough expertise to rebuild a wheel. I'll just replace them one at a time, as needed. I picked up the correct stove fuel after stupidly buying the wrong shit the other day, so I can cook a warm meal today. I also picked up a beer. I really wanted a beer today. The camp was just past the city, and I met a really nice couple on my way out of town. They told me of a bike trail that goes right to the campground, off of highway 1. Nice to have a good conversation. Pulled into camp, and much to my surprise, there were about 8 or so other bikers there at camp. I've never seen so many at one camp. Steve was there, of course, but there was also a German couple, Logan and Theresa, who couldn't have been too much older than myself, an older man named Michael from Arcata, and a middle-aged man named Dirk. Dirk looked just like my high school cross-country coach and even had some similar mannerisms. It was weird. There were also two other people there, I think, but I didn't really find out anything about them. Logan and Theresa were heading south and seemed to know each other already, but I'm not really sure. They and Michael and Dirk I guess had been traveling somewhat together for the last few days or so. When I got into camp, they were all cooking and talking and having a good time. There were beers out and a bottle of wine on the table. I was excited. Some good people to eat and drink with.

It was a great night of conversation. Staying up a bit later than usual. The fog was really thick tonight. While we were eating, it rolled in, slowly, but with a force. The fog surrounded everything and created a dampness. In the trees it sounded like it was raining, as water was precipitation quite often off of the leaves. After the beer and with good people around, I really didn't care.









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