May 27 One Third of The Bike Tour is Behind Us

One Third of the tour is complete. We have pedaled 3,400km. This is by far the greatest athletic accomplishment of my life. However, it isn’t just physical strength that I have increased. During these last 3 months I have learned a lot in several areas of life. For starters I have learned about bike mechanics and ergonomics from warn out chains and soar knees. I’ve learned about climatology and astronomy by spending the vast majority of the last 4  months outdoors day and night. I’ve learned the culinary art of cooking on a MSR (stove designed to boil water very quickly) and most recently with Oki mastered eggs sunny side up. 

I’ve learned about my caloric needs from lightheaded hunger rides after too small a breakfast and non productive afternoons after galletas and cerveza. I’ve learned how to hug the road as it curves downhill like a road cyclist does in the races. I’ve increased my Spanish vocabulary through daily practice in Mexico. I’ve learned about behavioural economics through bargaining and people watching in the Mexican streets. I’ve learned to be tough even when I feel small against macho men. I’ve learned to control emotion when I am in need of rest and food through long days in the desert heat. I’ve learned to problem solve with limited resources. I’ve learned how blessed I am to have the opportunity and spirit to have a dream, and set a goal that is achievable such as this. I’ve learned that hard work is the essence of pride.

Puero Vallarta

The last day to Puerto Vallarta was less than enjoyable. I cried, I yelled I hyperventilated at seeing my speed stay the same and my energy decrease with no real idea of how long it would be until I reached the end of the last climb. Drenched in sweat and feeling sick to my stomach I felt defeated. Nonetheless, I had to continue riding. By the time I finished the day and reached Oki who had begun to worry about me I was too drained to even celebrate. I hugged Oki and cried getting it all out that was the only way I could continue. It was terrible but worth it. I would do it again just to be able to feel proud of myself for now completing 3,400km and making it to the 1/3 marker in Puerto Vallarta.

Today I am in Anchorage. I arrived here last week. Its time now for a vacation. Oki is still in Mexico spending time with the lovely Laura. They will be riding from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara, MX. I will meet Oki and the bikes again in Morelia on June 6th. Oki and I have talked about skipping Michoacan due to the new travel warnings and insider info about road conditions of the MEX 200.

I have finally uploaded all of our photos so have a look: