Fijis Across America 2010

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy , to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” 

-Romans 12:1 

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Route Profile: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/co/la-junta/331126480065680732

Dedication: http://www.youtube.com/user/FIJIsAcrossAmerica#p/u/2/N5sRrfeIgYE

We sluggishly headed out with little sleep from the night before, but as I periodically tell the fellas you just got to “push it” through the rough times. We consumed some continental breakfast as well as some bananas provided by the Jurys and left La Junta at around 8ish with high spirits.  The terrain was flat, flat, and flat.

Making good time to our first SAG spot at around 21 miles we had bagels spread with peanut butter, bananas, and even some trail mix. The Jury’s sure know how to make an excellent SAG spot. I have never seen an individual as hard working and organized as Tyler’s father. We are very fortunate as a group to have him on our side through the entirety of Kansas. After waiting up for Cameron for some time as he was walking his bike back to the trailer due to a flat we headed out on state highway 96—our first few feet on the TransAmerican Trail. I felt honored be on a path traveled by so many distinguished cyclists over the many years since its existence by the Adventure Cycling Association. At lunch, in between the 40 and 50 mile mark, we had one of our first chances to meet 3 young college graduates out of Marshall who were traveling across the country like us, however they carried the extra baggage on their bikes. As a graduation challenge the guys traversed across the Western Express route starting 2 weeks ago in San Francisco. They looked strong and I admired their tenacity to carry all the weight on their bikes.

We offered them some lunch of tuna sandwiches and some other cycling food, which they gladly accepted with smiles. Later on as we met back up with them at our final SAG spot, I had an opportunity to lift one of their Cannondales as they used our floor pump to inflate to regular psi. Talking about heavy, from that moment I truly was comfortable and content with the luxuriousness of my own Fuji.

I pounded out the few remaining miles alongside with Chaz and Wade, talking about some stuff I will never forget about. Wade really inspired me to reevaluate my past and to pursue the future. Soon enough, after the final few pedal strokes we arrived in Eads and were graciously given a night to stay at the First Assembly of God. They had all the hookups we needed and then some more including a ping pong and fuseball table. Congrats to Chaz and Tyler for beating me in ping pong. I have no idea where touch went to. Oh well. Supper was delicious once again provided by Lori consisting of rice, hamburger, and vegetables with IBC root beer to slosh it all down. Ahhh…..I feel I’m getting too spoiled. Little sore after such long rest days, but bring on tomorrow!