On The Road Again
Did I say three flat tires?? I meant four. The Trek’s font was flat this morning, so the mountain bike is out of commission until we have time to patch the tubes and the Bianochi road bike (a.k.a. b-YOCH) is still iffy when it comes to shifting gears and retaining tire pressure, but my hybrid (code name Totonka) has been solid all along with no flat tires or mechanical problems - but it’s about as fast as manatee.
Today was our first over-70 mile day (73), most of it on Interstate 40. A large wind/dust storm came up in the afternoon, so we hitched a ride on Alice to a place route 66 separates from the highway and had a nice ride crossing the continental divide in New Mexico with a rainbow coming out just as we hit 70. While on the interstate, sucking in diesel fumes and dodging a particularly colorful assortment of roadkill (maybe be a subject for a photo series? – probably been done already), I was thinking back to some of the dishes we enjoyed in the Turquoise Room restaurant at La Posada (did I mention that it is a GREAT hotel?) and wishing I was back there. Particularly memorable was the Hopi piki bread made on the local reservation. It’s a paper-thin blue corn concoction that the Hopi woman need to be able to make well in order ‘to be a good wife’. Also there was the signature soup and a smoked salmon quesadilla with prickly pear gelato for desert. Yum.
Late last night Louise and Darryl gave an impromptu mini-concert in the main hall of the hotel. The guests who happened by certainly appreciated the music and the acoustics were great. I think this trip needs less riding and more live music!
In the ‘More Information Than You Want’ category, I’m giving my kidneys a run for their money - peeing like a racehorse all the time. Mike Brown - if you’re reading this – can you be TOO hydrated? Or anyone else that would know? Am I going to die? If you click on the comments link at the end of any blog you should be able to add your thoughts (haven’t tested it yet, though).
5 Comments:
Try using a window blind slat between your tire and tube. The curve will snug right in the tire and protect your tubes from punctures. By the way, is that THE Alan Affeldt from the march?
That's The Right Honorable MAYOR Affeldt, if you please, and yes. Thanks for the suggestion of the window blinds. I'm sure we can find some in one of the many abandoned homes and trailors along route 66.
To Darryl,
I finally tuned into your blog after talking to Lake. She and I left a few army men around on one of our outings. I think she told you that our church youth group has spent many summers on that Indian territory and know of which youu speak. I went along on later trip as a camp cook. It sounds like an exciting journey and I am enjoying it through you. I will watch your progress!
with affection, Zazel
kevin, glad you guys figured out you needed slime on your tubes -- I woulda told ya, but I thought you two were the experts ;~)
as for your hydration -- you are probably drinking more water now than your body is used to. until your system gets used to it, you'll be peeing a lot. plus, you need more water than usual at elevation (that's the price you pay for living at sea level). then again, you might also be a member of the Small Bladder Society of America (in which case, you have lots of company).
peace,
~~elle~~
see you in a few days! woohoo!
Hey Kev -
One more thought on that too much water idea... Yes, you can become over-hydrated. It's called hyponatremia and the problem is that too much water dilutes the sodium and electrolytes in your body. It's a problem with "endurance athletes" - I think you qualify for that title! A quick search on WebMD brings up some articles with information:
http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=hyponatremia&x=15&y=11
You guys really need to take better care of yourselves!
Wishing you lots of tailwinds and happy trails.
Peggy
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