Riding in a Winter Wonderland

I left Midland on Monday and headed down the interstate. I have lately been riding 50-80 mile stretches where there is no human habitation and only the occassonal car. After one and a half days of riding down the interstate I turned north at pecos. I met a local who has also done some ridng and he warned me against going to el paso. Said I'd be better off going through new Mexico both for the population and the border safety.

I made it to red bluff reservoir and camped for the night. I was planning to go to the guadalupes, but after checking the weather I decided to go to Carlsbad. There was a winter weather advisory with hail, snow, and cold. I got to Carlsbad and last night and today it has rained and snowed since the middle of the night. Hopefully it will clear up soon. I have a mountain pass a day from here.

I have been slowly getting back into the groove. The bike has been holding up well and there have been no major problems. I have worn through some gear and other gear is on it's way out. I have been on the road for five months and over 5,000 miles. The other day it was so windy I had to dodge tumbleweeds as I rode along. The wind has since let up to single digits or a little harder.

Goodbye Hills, Hello Headwinds

Once leaving sonora I rode on the interstate for 30 miles. I then turned northwest and went through 50 miles of nothingness; not even a sign of a house. I was headed towards Big Lake, which showed up on the map as a little town with a decent sized lake south of it. I was thinking about camping, but there is nothing between Big Lake and Midland. Also, there were a lot of dead deer, roadside shrines, and numerous empty bottles.

I stayed at the Deerfield Inn. I am still in a slump, but anxious to continue. As I left Sonora I slowly left the hill country. Also, when I got to Big Lake there was no big lake or even a pond, or any sign of water for that matter. I am now in the part of Texas that has about three towns per county and the counties are huge.

I left Big Lake the next day ant the sun very soon came out. I also started with a tailwind that eventually picked up and then turned to a crosswind and then a 35 mph headwind. I rode for seven miles into the headwind and then stopped for a break. As I was resting a trucker pulled up. It was so windy I didn't even hear him.

He let me know the wind wasn't going to die anytime soon and wondered if I would take a ride. I put my gear in the cab and we strapped my bike under the trailer. It was less than 15 miles to town and then we ate at Whataburger. After eating I headed across town to my friends mike and jody's place.

A few years ago mike and jody adopted seven black kids. Last time I was here the kids were gone, so I got to meet them all this time. They are quite a crew. I am staying here for a couple days and then heading on.

On The Road Again

I finally got taken off again. After riding eight miles up a road made mostly of wet caliche, I started my trek. At the end of the road I had to clean out packed caliche from my fender. It was so thick and packed it took a lot of work to cycle uphill. I even had to walk at one point.

After nearly three weeks at camp and the many new friends I made and old ones I visited, it was very hard to leave. My friend Debbie gave me a solar charger she wasn't using, so I listened to my ipod without worry of it dying. This helped a bit with the challenge of leaving. I rode west and was aiming to get south of sonora by a little before dark. I made it a little after three and was still struggling with leaving camp behind me, so I headed on to town. I decided to splurge on a motel since I haven't spent much over the last month.

On my way to town I was passed by the retreat group that was at camp this weekend.

I am beginning to wonder how long this trip will continue. I am still enjoying it but stopping for awhile is a challenge for me. A vegabonds life is taking its toll. An author I respect, peter Jenkins, once said that knowing when to end a trip is an artform. This doesn't mean I am calling it off. As of right now I still want to continue with the initial proposed trip. all I know is that the next few days may be tough riding mentally.

I have a couple of days and then I am visiting some more friends. After that I head on to the next most desolate part of my trip as far as friends go. I don't know of anyone until central Arizona.

Delay and Delight

Some of you may be wondering why I am not riding right now. I thought I would give you a couple reasons:
1) my bike is waiting on a new part to get in so the gearing works properly

2) I have until the end of may before I can ride through yellowstone national park

3) the weather is a little cool and wet right now

4) i'm also enjoying myself very much right now and fellowshipping and ministering in many amazing ways and having a hard time moving on

I am anxious to continue my journey, but am enjoying my time and have a few weeks to kill over the next few months before I can continue east. I am getting filled spiritually and revived physically out here. My plan is to move on this wekend if my bike is ready. Until then I am going to enjoy where I am at and take in the fact that I am stationary for more than a couple days.

A Princess, A Frog, And An Eagle

I went to church on Sunday to the united Methodist church's contemporary service. It was good and talked about how it only takes a spark to start a fire, but you need kindling and tender to keep it going. Afterwards my friends from camp and I ate at a Chinese restaraunt with poor service. Four of us then went to see the matinée of The Princess and the Frog. It was very good and classic Disney, though it seemed a bit dark at times for kids.

I have been helping out doing various projects at camp while I am here to help camp out and also pay room and board. This place has changed a lot yet stayed the same since I worked here. It is encouraging to see all the improvements and how God is blessing and encouraging this ministry.

Today I took a bike ride. I haven't ridden a mountain bike in a while. I also haven't ridden without gear, without clipless pedals, and on Texas soil in a long time. I got one of camps bikes fixed up and took off on an easier trail to get back into the groove. As I rode I improved and eventually was better than when I was last here. My increased muscles as well as my constant connection to a bike have no doubt helped. I road about eight miles of mixed intermediate to advanced routes.

I am still deciding my next moves. Yellowstone entrances won't be opened until late may and from what I have looked at so far, neither will the mountain passes in Idaho. I plan on researching more and seeing my options, but this next leg is going to be a lot of free time to hang out.

Until next time, enjoy.

Happy New Year

It's a brand new year and my journey is a third over. I have gone just under 5000 miles, across 14 states, and traveled for 4 months. It is still an adventure everyday, though at times I'm ready for it to be done. I am anxious for the next leg and will be excited when I am over halfway and on the downward slope. The journey so far has been challenging, yet rewarding. I have fought injury, sickness, loneliness, and tiredness to name a few things. I have also met many new people, many new places, seen some old friends, and accomplished something most won't do in a lifetime.

I have been blessed in many ways. I have seen and experienced others faiths, been given energy when none was left, seen many of God's wonderful creations, encouraged others in many ways, and am living a travelers life.

This new year has a lot to offer and I am anxious to see what God brings my way. I am more devoted than ever to finish this trip, though I am ready to start a long-term career. I am glad to have the opportunity to see so much and am anxious to share with others. I pray my body and commitment level hold up and that God continues to encourage and bless me and bless others through me.

Looking forward to a great 2010! Happy New Year!