Reflections from 10%ers
The relatively short time Steve and I cycled with the trans America 4 highlighted the ups and downs they will face on their 4500 mile challenge.
Our highlights:
Cycling open roads with a big sky, dramatic mountains and waterfalls, seeing a cinnamon bear foraging in the woods, a wolf jogging along the Yellowstone river and Buffalo so close to the road you could touch them, which we definitely did not do. Seeing a golden eagle perched on a post near the road and looking down on an osprey nest with chick calling to be fed while we cycled along the road above.
The sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, eating delicious food with a glass of wine, enjoying the company of an amazing team of friends.
The help and support from strangers along the way:
Driving about 30 miles to pick up food for us so we could have a BBQ in the evening as there were no near by restaurants
Opening a cafe allowing us to buy muffins, top up our water bottles and use the toilet
Offering us all a free drink at the end of our meal
Encouraging and in awe of the 4500 milers.
Our Challenges:
Cycling 10 miles and climbing 3000ft in the blazing heat was brutal
Head on winds that sometimes slowed our progress to walking speed when we were going downhill felt like being robbed of freewheeling time
Getting to our accommodation and washing our clothes in the hope it would all be dry for the next day.
Punctures one after anotherMosquito bites.
Pins and needles in your hands, aching shoulders, and sore bums.
Cycling down roads with big vehicles thundering past sometimes way too close.
Overall we are grateful that we could join them and be part of a really big adventure. We had such a great time and created memories that will be cherished. Happy to be finished and going to all the comforts of home and a little bit disappointed to not be continuing on.
Challenging Times 