If you know me, you know I'm not the most athletic fellow. I never played any organized sports in high school. I lifted weights for maybe 2 months last year before I gave up.
But today, I surprised myself with a feat of cycling endurance. The path from Lander, WY to to Dubois, WY is a 76-mile unforgiving uphill battle. There are periods of flatter ground, but not even a glimmer of hope for anything downhill. I woke up at 5 AM, ate breakfast, and hit the road around 6:15, averaging 13 mph. With a half hour break for lunch, I made it to Dubois at 1 PM. It was exhausting, and honestly probably the worst day of riding thus far, but boy did it feel good to roll into town.
Speaking of Dubois, I was laughed at by restaurant staff today for pronouncing it with a silent "s," like in W.E.B. DuBois. Apparently it's pronounced "do-boys," which is arguably better or worse. You tell me.
In other news, my day off yesterday was awesome. I spent hours in a used book store and picked up a copy of The Road by Cormac McCarthy and a couple of drawing books to improve my laughably mediocre artistic abilities. There was also a fair going on in town for the Fourth of July (on the first of July?) so I lollygagged with the townsfolk for a bit.
I also made some cycling friends, pictured above. They're all headed on the same route as me through Montana. We don't really ride together, but usually end up camping near each other in the same town. It's fun to have people to consistently talk to!
Tomorrow, I'm headed to Colter Bay, WY, which is 66 miles away and over a 3000 foot climb. It's going to be an intense day on the level of Trail Ridge Rd. in Rocky Mountain National Park without the massive altitude anemia.
After that, I'll be headed straight into the heart of Yellowstone and hopefully will be able to join the Independence Day festivities and fireworks in the city of West Yellowstone. If my stereotypes of Wyoming as a lawless wasteland hold true, there should be some pretty intense fireworks. Let's hope.
I'm sleeping in a church tonight in Dubois. The local campground is $27/night so I talked the pastor into letting me roll out my sleeping bag inside.
Hope you enjoyed the post. Bed time!
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Shahmeer, your endurance is increasing day by day, mashaAllah. You are best suited to go for Hajj in near future! this is all what you need; you, yourself, and a six pack!
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...I had no idea Kinza and Fonz were in Wyoming on a day that looks like your graduation. *sense the sarcasm*
ReplyDeleteYour writing style is quite refreshing!
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