| Cross-Country Ramble 30:
High Island...Again. Date: 3/8/98 11:32:54 AM Eastern
Standard Time
We've had 3 great biking days, each of whose weather we'd have
given a very precious body part to have had for most any day of the
first half of our trip. Day 1 out of Houston was 70's, windy (most
times in our face), threatening thunderstorms all day, and basically
gray. Day 2 was 80, mixed clouds & sun. Day 3 was 70's, pervasive
moistness varying from thick fog to thin rain (we needed wipers on
our glasses), and gray. Like I said, three great days in a row.
Interpretation is all.
We revisited the very spot on the beach where we declared victory
two years ago, and sprinkled Gulf water over each other and our
bikes. We prayed a blessing for our new beginning. I can't really
explain why this was so meaningful to us, but it was just the same.
Sometimes interpretation fails. Some events simply are what they
are.
We got into the motel in Pine Island (pop about 100) just before
the clouds dumped massive rain, and felt thankful. Pine Island's
amenities aren't great, but we're dry. The weather report predicted
big rain for today and my Achilles tendons are bothering me a bit,
so we decided to stay over a day. The healthful diet we had pledged
ourselves is down the tubes. We've fed ourselves exclusively out of
the town food source, a gas station & convenience store. For me,
it's been coke and tortilla chips with bean dip or peanut butter
with a little milk & banana thrown in, morning, noon and night. I'm
looking forward to the first greasy spoon we see up the road
tomorrow. Perspective counts.
We're moved by your messages expressing pleasure at the
resumption of the Rambles and encouragement for us on our way. The
ongoing dialogue with friends has become a good part of what this
journey is about for us.
We're still riding our recumbents (referred to by some as a lawn
chair on wheels) and are more than ever convinced that this is the
only way to tour by bicycle. For us, it starts with what we don't
get--neck pain and butt pain, and ends with what we do get--a
heads-up view of the country we came out to see. The people we meet
ask pretty much the same questions about our 'bents, and we continue
to answer them: They were made by Linear and Lightning Cycle
Dynamics, two out of twenty or more very small manufacturers that
devote themselves to recumbents. They cost a little over $1000 each
(due mostly to the lack of economies of scale). They were easy to
learn to ride--easier than learning to ride our first bikes.
I've made some adjustments which I hope will help avoid the knee
pain that stopped us here last time. I've moved my seat back so my
knees bend less. I'm using clipless pedals (Speedplay Frogs) which
allow lateral rotation and thus stress my knees less. Finally, the
part of the country we're in now allows us a route which is devoid
of hills and has enough enough places to stay that we won't have to
bike further or faster than we want to on any given day. Obviously
that doesn't guarantee anything, but it makes me feel like I've at
least paid a little attention to what my body is trying to tell me.
Ken
Itinerary (days from Ventura, CA, in ( )'s)
- Restart: Houston, TX
- Day 1 (60): Alvin, TX
- Day 2 (61): Galveston, TX
- Day 3-4 (62-63): High Island, TX
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