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Day 52: {now at point "X" on the map}
JULY 27,
Today, a big day of transition for us, began at 3:45 a.m., when we headed into the Highway 50 darkness in our so-far successful effort to beat the
Although four passes were on our route today, level and downhill parts of our ride were downright chilling. At one point Ben had four layers on, and it wasn’t enough.
Robinson Summit (7,558 feet) seemed arctic, and it wasn’t until about 9 a.m., as we scaled Little Antelope Pass (7,438) that we warmed up.
On Little Antelope a long string of good fortune ended for Ben. His Surly Long Haul Trucker bike, without a single problem since we bought it in
When Ben’s tire went flat, I was waiting up the pass for him to pull up. With no cell service, Ben flagged down a driver, who later spotted me up the road and relayed my son’s misfortune to me. I rode back and found that Ben had already installed a new tube. But I had the pump.
After inflating the new tube, Ben allowed that he was troubled by the appearance of his rear tire. Indeed, it looked like rubber-eating weasel had gnawed at it. It was gouged and peeling, but the inner case remained intact and Ben rolled on.
The tentative plan: Cross our fingers and hope the tire makes it to
A few minutes later Randy Seelye rolled up with another catered lunch (hoagie sandwiches) and a fond farewell. My old friend and former Union Democrat colleague drove support for us for more than 1,000 miles between
Sure, he played a few rounds of golf and saw a few national parks, but mostly he carried the trailers we had hauled from
Randy’s help and companionship were wonderful, and we will miss him.
But we still won’t have to pull those trailers: Just before noon, help arrived from the bullpen. Adam Jorge, Stephen Segerstrom, Garin Hay and Dana Baker – met us at the top of Pinto Summit (7,351 feet). Until we pull into
For Ben, who exchanged hugs and laughter with his friends, the arrival was a big deal. It is the first time he has seen his friends since June 1, when our trip began. I may not see a lot of him off the road over the next few days, but seeing him smile and laugh makes it worthwhile.
