Austin: Day 2 - 0 miles







Sometimes I think I spend too much time on the computer. So much of my life is on the screen. Jennifer thought my link to Wells Fargo was for a sponsor. I just bank there. The bulk of my day was spent cleaning and fixing up my bike. No one worked harder than John. I don't think I can remember my drive train being so clean and shiny. The rain hadn't been good for the gunk buildup or my shoes which spent and hour soaking in detergent-sudsy water. After removing my crappy fenders and ensuring the bike was polished to John-level satisfaction, we brought it to the bike shop he races for. At 360 Cycleworks they discovered a crack in my rear rim. It's all just part of the process. So Madeline is going for a sleepover and I should be able to pick her up on Saturday. In the meantime I'll be chillin in a free-spirit house in Old East Austin. Oscar, the triathlete in the video back on the Lost Maples post and his girlfriend, Jennifer, are putting me up in the front house with the claw foot tub. It's just a few blocks from down town and a few miles from the Hudson's where I'll visit tomorrow evening.

Comments

Not Lucy said…
Good to see a picture of you up close. You look great! Love ya! Mom
March 15, 2007 at 8:47:00 PM MDT
Anonymous said…
As i watch what "what I think is rebecca's bike" being hosed down by a stranger, who is a friend, my muscles relaxed. This simple, not so common act, said that a strong beautiful gifted person was being cared for. and that made the world a more beautiful relaxed place.

you set an example for us all to aim high and to not be afraid to go for the goal
March 16, 2007 at 2:35:00 AM MDT
Anonymous said…
you look wonderful. I am so proud of you
March 17, 2007 at 1:49:00 PM MDT
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on passing the halfway mark!! What a rich experience this seems to have been so far. Thank you for allowing us readers to be right there with you to share in the journey. Good luck transitioning to the humid lands ahead--don't let the tree frogs keep you up at night!
March 17, 2007 at 8:00:00 PM MDT
Chelsea said…
I feel as if it is my sisterly duty to chime in with something to keep your head from getting too big, you strong beautiful gifted person you. Something like "you need a haircut" or something. I will let you know when I think of something good.
Lots of love
March 17, 2007 at 10:48:00 PM MDT
Anonymous said…
now that i see you were being totally serious about cycling across the country due to this 100% legit blog i must say it is truely an honor to know that we were part of your journey.

and thank you for putting us in the 'people i met along the way' section especially!
March 18, 2007 at 12:38:00 AM MDT
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Simmesport - 32.27 miles

Image
Most people would not get excited about liquid oozing out of a limb. I, however, was tired of the painful tautness of the skin from the mass of liquid built up. Aside from perhaps finally getting back on the road again, this was the highlight of my day. St. Augustine once again doesn't feel very far away as I plan to finish off the fifth of the seven maps tomorrow and cross the Mississippi. Checking my email in Simmesport, I received several happy birthdays. A couple of which were from people who claimed not to know me, but were friends of my mother's. So later on the phone I asked my mother if she'd sent a provoking email out. She had. I caught her. Not that it's bad, but usually I'm lucky to have more than one or two people remember it's my birthday. The day hasn't traditionally been great. Last year's was good though. 9.5 ave - 15.1 max - 2214.2 odo - 3:26:38 time
Read more

St. Augustine - 100.65

Image
5:00 came with the same nervous intensity that an early flight out of Sitka does. It is just too much of an inconvenience to be late for an important important. I had to meet with the darkness so we could experience the ebb and flow of the shadows as the street lamps pass us by. This single sensation with the cool night air and tidal movement of my shadow chasing me and leaving me behind is my favorite part of cycling. I watched the orb rise with the traffic the same color as my reflective shirt. I stopped once to eat breakfast at Hardee's and again before crossing the St. John's to eat grilled cheese, veggie-beef soup, and more sweet tea. As I completed the century to St. Augustine, I understood why the ACA route goes where it does. As I approached the coast I passed traffic caused by a down cyclist out for a Monday spin. Waiting in the touristed out town, I took pictures of myself on timer hoping to have one halfway decent one. I rode down some of the narrow streets as the tr...
Read more

Big Cane - 0 miles

Image
Though still congested, I don't feel half as ill as I did a few days ago. Drugs work wonders, but the bite on my thigh is still hot, red, tender, and 5 inches in diameter. And people worry about mosquitos in Alaska. I think I may force myself to rest one more day before I take off. I've been anxious to leave since I got here. But my hosts have been the kindest anyone could ask for. To be honest I'll miss the buckets of live craw fish that rest and surprise me on the kitchen floor and the baby turtles in tupperware on the counter. With any luck they'll find that second one that climbed but before they sniff it out.
Read more