Monday, May 20, 1996
Day 9
Libby, Montana to Kalispell, Montana
Today's Miles: 95
Cumulative Miles for the Tour: 563
Degree of Difficulty: Medium/Difficult (because of weather)
Terrain: Heavy Forests and Large Forestfire Burn Areas
When pain and fatigue outway the enjoyment of an action, it is time to reassess that action.
It was cold when we woke in Libby, in the high 30's. I got on the road at 8:00am, starting a little later than normal because of the long ride, 104 miles, the previous day. To do long distance bike riding, it is necessary to develope a pedal spinning rhythm/cadence that can be sustained for hours at a time. This morning I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't find my rhythm within the first ten miles.There was a constant headwind all morning, slowing my pace to under 8mph. Chuck came by in the van periodically to see if there was anything he could do to help, but the choice had to be mine if I was going to give up for the day. Ken and Adam caught up to me as we were entering the burn area of Kootenai Fire complex.It is a huge area that was burned during the forestfires of 1994. The wind was in our faces all morning, making it impossible to sustain any kind of forward momentum. Finally, after 38 miles of fighting energy draining winds, hills and sleeting rain, I accepted Chuck's offer to hop in the van and immediately fell into an exhausted sleep as he drove the rest of the way to camp. He said I was the quietest passenger he has ever had.It was a very difficult decision to make. I didn't start this trip with the intention of EVER using the van. I was determined to pedal every mile come hell or high water, but when there is no enjoyment or sense of accomplishment, a reassessment of purpose has to happen. My purpose is still the same, it's my methods that have to change if I am to reach my goal.I am meeting people and seeing sights that most travelers will never see in a lifetime, much less in two months. I reminded myself of this while reviewing the journals and reading the e-mail comments from the schools that are following the trip and from friends who write to me daily.I'm going to continue, but with a different mindset. The journals are now the reason for the trip, not the ego satisfaction of biking for ungodly distances, to collapse at the end just to get up the next day and do it all over again. I'm going to enjoy myself and, hopefully, pass that enjoyment along to you in the process. Ok? So stay with me, we'll get through this thing together.Mark Miller
Adam and Ken
crossing into Montana
From the journal of Adam Iobst
Alright and what can I tell you....
Today is Monday the 20th. In the famous (or soon to be famous) words of my brother, Paul, "To bring you up to par..." This last weekend was our first rest day. We spent our time in Sandpoint Idaho hiking, shopping, and basically just checking the place out. All of this was done in the "fifties". It turned out that Sandpoint was having their "Turn back to the fifties" yearly party that weekend! We got a chance to see all kinds of old cars -that only my dad really knew by name.I spent most of my time hanging out with Paul trying to find a gift for Dave and company. No luck I'm afraid. Speaking of luck, I also some how managed to beat Paul numerous times in pool, which (if you have played with me before) is impressive.After finishing my "Nukey Brown", Dave, Dad, Paul, and I decided to see "It came from outerspace" in 3D! The telescope scene was the best, check it out if you get a chance. Anyway our rest day ended with Dad and I chuckling about the telescope and Paul hopping in Dave's truck in search of the train to Seattle. I'm going to miss that strange sounding dude.Anyway, soon it was Sunday morning and although God took rest on the seventh day, we didn't. We were off before nine (which was really eight, because we switched into mountain time). We all managed to crank out 100+ miles that day, which to some of you may be no big deal. Here is the thing- we did it again today! "My knees is going crazy!" (Sal Rosenburg- from the Jerky Boys). We pushed on all day (both) and stopped only occasionaly for bird watching, landscape photos, and lunch with pigs.Well that's all for today. I'll write more some other day.P.S- for those of you that plan on writing my dad, do me a favor and ask him to stop barking at dogs. Thanks.
your biker pal,Adam*
Bike America Tours
dblair@wtp.net
1-800-738-7271