We were welcomed this morning by a more than exciting forecast of snow and rain, and as we drove out to our starting spot, Amanda pulled over and said... "we need to talk about today". Now we are sitting in a coffee shop drinking the coffee we somehow forgot to prepare and writing our blog.Yesterday we enjoyed our last morning in Eureka, and packed, and ate, and drank coffee, and did every good thing us humans do in the morning slowly. We got out at noon. And we drove away in the rain Amanda reminisced in the beauty of the Tobacco Valley. Upon arriving in Whitefish to a downpour of COLD rain we tastefully chose a route in Glacier as opposed to our original plan of biking along a skinny two lane highway during rush hour (that's for you mom). It was amazing the rain stopped when we started and started again once we stopped. It beautiful and at the mere mileage of TWO Amanda approached a T-intersection and fell (foot stuck in the petal) in front of a LOT of people whom all laughed in her face. (Don't worry more falls to come) We biked
past Lake McDonald as the clouds cleared away and we were able to see the majestic beauty of the West (Glacier that is). Anna, the hire photographer captured some rare moments in time. This picture was taken at Lake McDonald, and is probably the best of all of us for the day.Below: Amanda shows off the tumor of a bump on her knee from her fall, and if you look closely you can see a little brownie surveying her leg (as in brownie... the little men in Willow)
We biked 18 miles to the gate leading to Avalanche Lake, and then turned around and came back. Brittany was biking ahead and stopped to ask for directions (from Amanda) when abruptly took a turn for the worst (again foot stuck in petal) and in slow-motion fell down. With a bloody knee to show for it, Brittany and Amanda have both had there first falls and are glad to have that over with.36 miles in total, we finished our first day. It was fun, and probably the easiest day of biking we will have, but we are proud of our decision to bike in Glacier.
At this very moment it is accumulating snow, and people are wearing puffy winter coats and carrying umbrellas, nobody really knows what to do. We chose to stay inside and drink coffee.
4 comments:
The dream is a reality! Sounds like you had a great 1st day of biking! Snow in June is just so much fun isn't it? Thanks for keeping us all up to date with this blog - I'm looking forward to reading about all your adventures. I'll close with a suggestion - "When you begin to slow down, twist one of your feet out of the pedals. That way you can use one of your legs to touch the ground. It just seems to work better that way." :)
Amanda, You go girl.You are doing what I dreamed of doing. Your Aunt Karla has had 3 road bikes and currently 1 mt. bike. I have ridden for decades. So my wisdom for you is...take your time...rethink what you are not sure of(then go for it) and become one with your clip-ons. If you have fear while ridding... find out what that fear is. Is it common sense telling you to rethink something or is it a lack of experience being pushed to its limits? Be sensitive to your intuition. It is there to assist. I will be reading as you gooooooo. I have ridden in every condition and know when it is prudent to stop and wait for better conditions. I have also been in some adverse conditions with no support but my wit and guts. So be centered and one with the enviroment. It will let you know when it is time to stop and be safe. I love you ..., Karla
Amanda,
Karla here again,
Are you on a Road bike or Mountain bike? Be advised that when it is wet ... that your stopping time will be increased. What that means is that you will need more time to stop. Because of wet weather be prepared to unclip into...the future. When I know that I need to slow down or prepared to stop I prepare in advance to unclip. I don't do it immediatly but when my gut tells me so.
Also don't forget to enjoy what is around you. Be focused when you need to... ie: traffic, road conditions, weather! When you have a stetch of road that is awsome...Just be... with all that is around you. It is "Meditation in motion"! It is also being in "the Zone". So girl...be sharp, trust your intuition and learn to be one with your bike. It will respond to your demands and keep you upright. When you know it...(your bike) as your own soul...IT IS A BEAUTIFUL THING! blessing to you. Kara
Girls, I am so excited to hear about your trip everyday. Know that I will be praying for youeach and everyday and that God will show you many wonderful things along the ride. Keep Safe and enjoy His creation. Jean
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