Stage 9 - Fernie BC to Glacier National Park - June 2

It is past midnight. David, Peter, Jonah and I had an incredibly excellent dinner at Josephine’s at 10:00. We awarded them the “Best Food On Our Trip” award … (so far). Vik wasn’t with us as he elected to retire early. The evening sky is full of stars. something we see too infrequently any more. I love the quiet and serenity.

HOME …

It is nice to be back in the United States. Our time in Canada was special. Yet home is home. I love my country.

Montana is indeed Big Sky country. The open expanses of land. The fewer mountains. Lotsa blue sky dotted with white clouds. It is beautiful in its own unique way.

The first billboard I saw in Montana advertised “Oriental Food and Sushi”. What an instant reminder of the diversity of the USA’s population. Too bad we are having such a difficult time accepting and embracing all the different peoples who make up our great nation.

TODAY’S RIDE …

I had a tremendous time on my bicycle today. I got out early and rode for several hours by myself. Vik caught up to me (as I knew he would) and we rode the rest of the 65 miles to Whitefish together.

One reason cycling was so enjoyable was yesterday’s time in the van; it reminded me that so much is missed traveling by automobile. This learning fleshed out and strengthened my strategy to remain “in the moment” when I cycle. Now I knew WHY being in the moment was so important. I can bicycle longer because I am focusing on the journey and not the destination. During the journey, I want to experience and appreciate what I am seeing, riding through, and experiencing.

Another reason I had so much fun today is that I was strong. I powered across flat stretches. I flew down declines. I motored up hills. My legs were strong. My will overcame discomfort (a lesson I am learning from David and Vik). Towards the end of our first ride, Vik’s knee was hampering him. He needed help. I took the lead for the rest of our ride and let him ‘draft’ my wheel, making his effort much less. My teammate needed me and I worked extra hard to be there for him.

I iced my knees at lunch in Whitefish to combat the inflammation that was becoming problematic. Our second ride of the day to Glacier National Park would test how well my new strategy worked. I am happy to report that the results were fantastic (so far; let’s see tomorrow, but right now, i’m pumped!).

The 30+ miles to Glacier flew by. Well, ok, not exactly, but for the most part. At one point towards the end of our ride, I told Vik I couldn’t keep up. Vik slowed down and “pulled me” (‘drafting’ in cycling parlance, which saves the draftee, aka me, about 30% energy to keep up).

Vik exhorted me to keep going. “We’ve got this Bruce! C’mon!” he barked. I was motivated! After a brief period and a convenient flat and downhill section, I felt my strength returning. Vik and I cranked the pedals and got to the Park in excellent form. We felt really good about our performance. We celebrated with ice cream at Eddy’s Cafe. Yummy!

I rode 93 miles in total today. Vik asked if I wanted to try for a Century and I said ‘no’. I want to remain true to myself and my self-proclaimed strategy of being in the moment. Pushing to ride seven more miles having already seen what was to be seen and reaching our destination would contradict my commitment to myself. I am incredibly proud that I have ridden over 75 miles as many days as I have. The absence of a Century does not bother me at all. My time will come when it is due. I thought it might be today but it wasn’t and I am perfectly happy with that.

A TEMPORARY TITLE …

Vik bestowed upon me the honorary nickname: “Hercules” in recognition of my work today. I was proud to be recognized and felt I had earned it. I’m still Breezer for the long haul but for a temporary tag, Hercules is very nice.

ODDS & ENDS …

A Black Bear started to cross the road about 20 yards ahead of Vik and me. “HOLY SHIT!!!” I thought and slammed on my brakes. The Black Bear was startled by our presence and even more by the unnerving sound of my screeching brakes. The Black Bear turned around in a hurry and beat a hasty retreat into the woods. How funny! The Black Bear turned out to be more scared than me. My lucky day!!!

Tomorrow we will stay at Glacier National Park and enjoy the surroundings. No travel! No packing! Yahoo!!!

Ciao for now,
Hercules
:-)