Day 54 - Ups and Downs

Bike and Build is an experience that is filled with extreme highs and lows. One day, your legs feel spectacular, the ride is beautiful, the wind is at your back. Other days, your body feels miserable, rain and wind impede your journey, you do not want to ride your bike. However, I speak for all of us when I say that none of us would trade this experience for anything else in the world. We have learned so much about ourselves and the human spirit and we continue to learn more as the journey continues. One day, as I was riding, I saw that one of my teammates had chalked these words on the ground:

"When your body is tired, bike with your mind."

A few miles later, an additional line was chalked:

"When your mind is tired, bike with your heart."

These words are dead on when it comes to Bike and Build. There are many times when we are physically and mentally exhausted; however, our hearts remain strong and loyal and we remember what we're biking for. We're biking to give others a chance to live our their dreams so that they can use their bodies, hearts, and minds to accomplish their goals. They will in turn help others do the same!

Today was another day of ups and downs. We climbed for nearly 30 miles and we rewarded with an easy 16 miles down into the town of Meeker. Tonight is out last night in Colorado. Tomorrow, we'll cross into Utah, a bittersweet state line. 

I've got one more thing to share tonight. A few weeks ago, Kat, Sarah, Marcus, and I made up a song that we sing during those low time. It is an adaptation of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. It's everything that we like on Bike and Build!

Dry lube on chain rings and playing with frisbees

Bright neon chamois and applying sunscreen

DMing dinner and lots of ice cream

These are a few of my favorite things

Contrasting tan lines and host sites with cookies

Pulled pork at lunches and grease marks on rookies

Feeding the donkeys and horses peach rings

These are a few of my favorite things

Tattoos on Tuesdays and build sites with nail guns

Blue Gatorade and friends giving back rubs

Descending mountains when it's not raining

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dogs chase

When the sun burns

When I'm feeling sore

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so poor!

Cycling in tail winds and dancing at state lines

Possessed baby dolls and deer cane roadside finds

When dinner's provided and feasting like kings

These are a few of my favorite things

Speeding up hills with refried bean charged farts

Exploring cool places like Decatur and Stuttgart

Giant group hugs when everyone sings

These are a few of my favorite things

When the quiche molds

When my knees hurt

When I'm getting vanned

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad!!

That's all! 109 miles tomorrow with a 4:30 wake up! Gotta be on the road at 6!