My Gas Is Much Cleaner

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - Day 24

Distance traveled - 42 miles

Today was incredible. I don't really know where to begin. Rolled out of the campsite around 12:30, which has become a pretty regular beginning time, it would seem. Said good-bye to my new friends, short-lived friendships, of course, as are all the road ones. I knew a little of what was to come. People have been talking for the last few days about Leggett, the transition from the 1 onto the 101. There has been much talk of a beastly hill. So at least I knew that was coming. This morning before Logan and Theresa left, they gave me a few more details.

No one told me just how pretty it was going to be. Only a few miles after leaving camp, you continue up the coast, but then as the first big hill begins, the road cuts inland to go around this large coastal mountain. I didn't expect so much green, so many trees. I felt like I was back home in Tennessee. It was a pretty dense forest. By this time the fog had cleared up a bit, plus being inland you escape it mostly. So here I am in this lush forest surrounded by huge redwood trees, with the sunlight streaking through, shining down on the forest floor covered mostly with ferns and carpeted with what looks like a soft mulch. Despite the first steep hill, I was so happy to be there. It was so green. At the top of the first hill, I sent a text to Betsy that said I feel like I'm on top of the world.

Then the first downhill came. Oh blissful downhill speed, winding through the forest, making sharp turns around the bends. There was little traffic, so I owned the road. The hill was so steep and some of the turns so sharp that I actually had to do some heavy braking at times. It was great! You work so hard to get up those long, steep hills, especially on a single speed. I was standing up on the bike for the majority of the climb. Then at the top, drenched in sweat, dripping everywhere, so tired from the long hill, you have instant retribution. The first descent was long and fast. I went 2 miles in a matter of a few minutes. At the bottom it was pretty flat for a while, or so I thought. I remember that I was so caught up in the beauty of the trees and the green, that I forgot what I was doing. Then, out of nowhere, a little stream with running water came into my day. I have to tell you, I was so happy. I love running water, especially surrounded by lush forest. I was so elated and taken in by the scenery at this point, that I actually thought I was going to cry from joy. I have never done that before, so I thought it would be interesting. Very quickly after that thought entered my head, a fucking RV, a 60-foot monster, drove past me. It sounded like a semi truck as it approached. Needless to say, the moment was gone. There would be no tears of joy today. But after that travesty passed, I was free again to ride and listen and watch. I also have to admit that I had slowly been climbing up the next hill for a while before I even realized that I was ascending. It wasn't until I went around a sharp bend and looked where I had been, that I realized I had been climbing for a while. Looking down, I was at least 200 feet above the rest of the road. Amazing what a little lush scenery does to help you through the day.

The second major hill was the biggest, of today and I guess so far. The overall elevation climb was around 2000 feet. I was warned, and I'm glad I was, that you climb for a long time, then it levels off, and you would think you're at the top, but there is still a bit more to go. It was a long one. At the top, however, a sign tells you that there is 4 miles to come of winding downhill. Bliss. I soared down that hill, using the brakes as little as possible, only when absolutely necessary to avoid sliding out. I want to think that I was pushing 40mph, but I'm not really sure, as I have no speedometer. It sure is fun, though. I don't really care how fast I'm going; it's fast enough.

It's funny, as I'm going up these hills - it is nice having a single speed because I have the advantage of simplicty. I don't have a single thought about whether I'm in a good gear, whether it could be easier. I have one gear, and that's the one I'm in, and that's the one that's going to bring me up the hill and across whatever staightaway may come. I may work a bit harder, but I find it worth it. I don't mind a little hard work, and it makes the downhills so much more rewarding. Also, I have a bit of a secret weapon in the way of jet propulsion. I don't know what it is that I eat on this trip (I do eat chili when I can), but I seem to get gassy when I'm biking long distances, especially when there are hills. Of course no one being around, I am free to discharge as I please. So while I'm sure it really doesn't propel me forward at all as I go, it sure is nice to have a release as you grunt and work and tough it up a giant hill. Sometimes I yell or sing or do whatever I can to let out frustration or just to release, because when you're motoring up a hill for over a half hour, you need some sort of release. So whether it's farts or yelling or loud singing, it really does help. Try it sometime. And I do really like singing really loud, knowing that no one will hear me, or if they can, I really don't care. Sometimes I make up songs and sing them, other times I just repeat a few lines from certain songs. Today it was a Mason Jennings song called 'Be Here Now'.

Anyway, my battery is about to die, it is dark, and i need to get to sleep. I really felt like I needed to write tonight, so I made a point of it. Luckily they have wireless at this little store/grill across the street from the campground. They had delicious salmon burgers as well.

Nighty-night all. And I'm sorry if I haven't been calling people back lately. My cell battery is nearly dead and I only get digital roaming service since I left San Francisco. So it's off most of the time. I will try to make some calls when I get around Eureka in a day or so. Don't take it personally if I haven't called you back. I mean no harm. It's just circumstances.

Pleasant dreams,

Otis


hell, why not?


bad and good


i wonder what's around that bend? only one way to find out...




lovely


reminds me of the smoky mountains. note to self: i must go back home and do some biking


i loves me my kiwis


i wish i could fly



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Comments

best person on the planet

Jenn

I hope you're doing well, sounds like it.


Hi!!

Amber

Hi [Otis]! I had no idea that you were doing this...but just wanted to wish you luck and tell you I am SO proud of you. What an incredible adventure! You will be in my thoughts :)


Hello from the Smokies

Angela

It is wonderful reading all of your adventures. You are a very gifted writer. It sounds like you are seeing some true beauty. Look forward to the updates and will be praying for your safety.