Wed. June 30, 2010 Off My Game

It's Wednesday, June 30th, and I've been traveling a week. Right now, like Venus Williams... I'm off my game.

Three different bike shop owners in Carson City, Nevada backed off on giving me advice on how to cross the state - read: desert.

All said my best route would be to "go Greyhound."

I listened. Took the 7:30 p.m. bus out of Carson City and traveled the night to Salt Lake City, UT. An easy eight hours, but not the most restful.

Arrived with a bad headache, little rest and very poor decision-making skills. It took me three elephant-heaves to get out of the bus.

I bought another ticket to Denver. Then I returned it. Then I bought it again. Then I changed it from an 8 a.m. departure to 8 p.m. ... then I asked for a refund.

Can you feel the confusion.

Bike stores open at 10am. Started biking around town to see if I could shake my muddy head and I drove right to a Catholic center; read - homeless shelter.

Barb... reluctantly pulled me in. She took me past all the residents, up an elevator with my bike to an office. I could roll out my sleeping bag for two hours' safe rest and she would wake me at 10 a.m.

PHEW... feel a little better. Found bike store and they're working on contacting a bike tour leader to see if they have sound advice.

Called my brother in tears. He made a phone diagnosis by the sound of my voice. "You're tired, dehydrated and hungry... go get something to eat - read a paper, talk to people... don't make a decision for two hours... and call me back."

It's crazy how tired can affect your decision-making process. Survivor skills are really being tested.

Eggs, red potatoes, dry toast, and coffee with a chaser of Coke... and some water.

Just past noon and I'm doing better... but still with no sound plan.

Returning to bike store when my time expires on the library computer. People have been so nice - or it's pity.

Like my brother said, "You're on vacation - don't stress this, have fun."

Saw a quote in the paper from 16-year-old Abby Sutherland. "You can only plan so far in adventure."

I think that's where I'm at.

Trying to get back on the road...

PS... if you look at it, I've been a lot of places in the past week: LA, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Bishop, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno, and now Salt Lake City.