Im writing my last post from my kitchen table in Topeka, Kansas. Bike and Build has been over for 8 days, but I have definitely been avoiding this last blog, I don't think I wanted to admit my adventure is over. The end seems sort of hazy, but heres my best recollection...
We spent the last three days only riding 30 miles or so. It was really nice because most of us were extremely exhausted, and it gave us time to recover before our final day. On August 14th, we rode to a spot where all 31 of us met and rode together the last 5 miles. Tons of friends and family met us at East Beach in Santa Barbara, cheering and whistling. We rode in, dropped our bikes and ran to the water. Afterwards, we had our tire dipping ceremony and spent time reflecting on what we had gained and left behind this summer. That night we went out for a fancy dinner (our tan lines went beautiful with our nice clothes) and drinks. The next day we built houses, and then the goodbyes began...
I chose not to go home via plane, but the leaders were driving the support vehicle back. We went from Santa Monica to Zion National Park to Denver (had a day off there), and then to Topeka. So thanks Skip, Kyle, Sophie, and Kristi, that was the most fun I've ever had in a van. I love Tenacious D and the Toast song, and laughing so much!
Im trying to reflect on this summer, and the last couple of days have been a little tough transitioning. I feel a mix of sadness for what happened, but also smile at all the greatness. I also feel a little jumbled since this is the first year I won't being going back to school...and I will be going to Greece for a year....But regardless Bike and Build has taught me:
-that you can do anything (even bike across the county), as long as you take small steps (66 days) and don't think of it all at once
-Everyone I met was SUPER generous. I was looking back over my donor list and donors, I can't thank you enough. You gave me the experience of a lifetime. And all the churches that opened their doors to us...wow.
-Your body can always do more than you think you mind can do.
-Although sometimes I felt like screaming, I love the 30 others Bike and Builders I spent my time with. We're like a big family
I think all for now....
Keep on pedaling!
Allie
-I have no personal boundaries now...Im use to living with 30 others all the time
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Grand, The Dam, Vegas, and so much more~!
The last part of our trip is CRAMMED with things...and we haven't had internet since Flagstaff...so here is my blog about the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, and in between!
The Grand...
Canyon is SO beautiful! I dont think post-cards really do it justice. We got there in time to watch sunset (there were clouds but it was still beautiful). The next day we woke up early to do a 3 mile hike down into the canyon (a couple of riders did a 12 mile hike...i have no idea how they had so much energy). It is so beautiful to see the different rock formations and layers of rock. In the afternoon I found a less touristy place and journaled and wrote postcards while watching a storm come in. Oh and in the evening we saw elk!!
The Dam...
Our ride to Las Vegas was 106 miles with the Hoover Dam at mile 70. It was beautiful but the gorgeous mountains blocked the wind, making it extremely hot. I've never felt so hot in my entire life..especially once we got to the dam and had to climb back up the other side. We soaked our jerseys, skin, and hair with water...and drank tons of water. We heard it was 110 degrees in at the bottom of the dam!
Las Vegas-
On the way into Vegas we stopped for a thunderstorm in front of us...and after it subsided the streets were flooding!!! I went through a foot of water (wading I picked up my bike) to make it to dry land. By the time we got to Vegas we were all exhausted. And our leaders had played a trick on us- they told us we didn't have a host, when actually we had a sweet hook-up and stayed at the Imperial Palace (a really fancy hotel). A BED!!! I hadn't slept in a bed in months (or since the motel on the 4th of July)!!! Other than that I didn't look around Vegas much, I think the city was my least favorite...the few times I did leave the hotel room, I was approached by drunks (one who told me she just slept with her best friend, and another whose yellow thong I saw as she fell down an escalator).
So Much More:
-On the ride into the Canyon I hit my all time high speed- 47.6!
-We did two back-to-back centuries (110 and 106)!
-We also survived a dust storm! A couple of days ago my friend and I were sweep on the longest day- 110 miles! Around mile 80 we started noticing a rain and dust storm behind us...we couldn't figure out if the rain was causing the dust or the dust causing the rain. Anyways, we kept looking at it until it finally caught up to us around mile 102. We could have pulled off the road but decided not to (our vision was alright, and it was the best tail wind ever!). A dust twister went by, and it was really cool to see.
-Final note...I can't believe we only have 3 days left, it seems unreal! The last couple of days our mileage goes way down, so we have more time to bond and pack and such...Then Im helping bring the van and trailer back to the east coast on a road trip!
Im sorry if you really just read that whole ramble~!
~allie
The Grand...
Canyon is SO beautiful! I dont think post-cards really do it justice. We got there in time to watch sunset (there were clouds but it was still beautiful). The next day we woke up early to do a 3 mile hike down into the canyon (a couple of riders did a 12 mile hike...i have no idea how they had so much energy). It is so beautiful to see the different rock formations and layers of rock. In the afternoon I found a less touristy place and journaled and wrote postcards while watching a storm come in. Oh and in the evening we saw elk!!
The Dam...
Our ride to Las Vegas was 106 miles with the Hoover Dam at mile 70. It was beautiful but the gorgeous mountains blocked the wind, making it extremely hot. I've never felt so hot in my entire life..especially once we got to the dam and had to climb back up the other side. We soaked our jerseys, skin, and hair with water...and drank tons of water. We heard it was 110 degrees in at the bottom of the dam!
Las Vegas-
On the way into Vegas we stopped for a thunderstorm in front of us...and after it subsided the streets were flooding!!! I went through a foot of water (wading I picked up my bike) to make it to dry land. By the time we got to Vegas we were all exhausted. And our leaders had played a trick on us- they told us we didn't have a host, when actually we had a sweet hook-up and stayed at the Imperial Palace (a really fancy hotel). A BED!!! I hadn't slept in a bed in months (or since the motel on the 4th of July)!!! Other than that I didn't look around Vegas much, I think the city was my least favorite...the few times I did leave the hotel room, I was approached by drunks (one who told me she just slept with her best friend, and another whose yellow thong I saw as she fell down an escalator).
So Much More:
-On the ride into the Canyon I hit my all time high speed- 47.6!
-We did two back-to-back centuries (110 and 106)!
-We also survived a dust storm! A couple of days ago my friend and I were sweep on the longest day- 110 miles! Around mile 80 we started noticing a rain and dust storm behind us...we couldn't figure out if the rain was causing the dust or the dust causing the rain. Anyways, we kept looking at it until it finally caught up to us around mile 102. We could have pulled off the road but decided not to (our vision was alright, and it was the best tail wind ever!). A dust twister went by, and it was really cool to see.
-Final note...I can't believe we only have 3 days left, it seems unreal! The last couple of days our mileage goes way down, so we have more time to bond and pack and such...Then Im helping bring the van and trailer back to the east coast on a road trip!
Im sorry if you really just read that whole ramble~!
~allie
Saturday, August 2, 2008
News From Arizona!
Arizona is a land of unique of beautiful geography... The past couple days we:
-went into the painted desert...famous "badlands" where water caused the land to erode and show different minerals and different colors of dirt...from where we were biking we could see hues of green, red, white, blue and brown all on the mountains we were passing by on our bikes.
-passed by petrified forests and saw rock wood!
-stopped at a meteor creator
- crossed paths with jackalope, rabbits and lizards in the desert.
But perhaps the coolest thing was today on our day off in Flagstaff. Sophie Turrell is one of our trip leaders and apparently her father, James (or Jim) Turrell is famous in the art world. We got to go to Roden Crator, his work in progress that is a volcano turned into artwork. We walked through these tunnells that frame the sky and other rooms that capture the hues of sunrises and sunsets on slates of walls. Its impossible to describe but absolutely amazing (heres a NY Times article on it: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/arts/design/25fink.html).
Anyways, tomorrow we're off the the Grand Canyon and then Las Vegas!!!
~allie
-went into the painted desert...famous "badlands" where water caused the land to erode and show different minerals and different colors of dirt...from where we were biking we could see hues of green, red, white, blue and brown all on the mountains we were passing by on our bikes.
-passed by petrified forests and saw rock wood!
-stopped at a meteor creator
- crossed paths with jackalope, rabbits and lizards in the desert.
But perhaps the coolest thing was today on our day off in Flagstaff. Sophie Turrell is one of our trip leaders and apparently her father, James (or Jim) Turrell is famous in the art world. We got to go to Roden Crator, his work in progress that is a volcano turned into artwork. We walked through these tunnells that frame the sky and other rooms that capture the hues of sunrises and sunsets on slates of walls. Its impossible to describe but absolutely amazing (heres a NY Times article on it: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/arts/design/25fink.html).
Anyways, tomorrow we're off the the Grand Canyon and then Las Vegas!!!
~allie
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
New Mexico= My Favorite State/Most Unique/Most Beautiful
If there were senior superlatives (like in high school) for states, New Mexico would hands down win best scenary, most unique, most diverse (both scenary and weather) and just overall my favorite state so far.
Seriously. And thats says a lot because the 8 miles in Kansas were pretty superb!
Reasons why:
-The landscape of New Mexico is SO beautiful. We went from flat desert outside Roswell to beautiful mountains. And the mountains are diverse as well, from green-covered to sandy with cactus. And NM used to have lots of Volcanic activity, we went through one area called Valley of Fire with black, volcanic rock.
-The weather has been hot, but it also cools down in the evenings. Its diverse but lovely. Two days ago we literally biked through clouds to clear skys. We also dodged beautiful thunderstorms and could see the storm and lightning from the distance. Oh, and I've seen two rainbows, one which was at the top of a mountain.
-Yesterday I went an extra 7 miles out of the way to go to a Very Large Array (VLA), a national satellite post with 27 HUGE satallites which record sound waves which give data to computers to help us understand the solar system better. Wickedly cool
-We got to the highest point in our trip yesterday: 8000ish feet. Which was at the top of the continental divide...did you know if you were to pee or pour water at the top of the continental divide, some might flow into the Pacific while part might flow into the Atlantic?
-Last night we stayed in Pie Town, NM: population 60. They made us a ton of pie, my favorites were the tri-berry, cherry, and peanut butter. And there was no light polution so when we got up this morning, the stars were more brillant than I've ever seen them.
And now, on to Arizona. The road crossing from NM to Arizona was beautiful, desolate, with lots of up and down hills. My friends have crowned me the "down hill champ" because I speed by them on the down hills, only to be passed going up.
All for now, except I can't believe that were are three states away from being done. That seems unreal. I know that when I started this trip I thought biking across the country was possible, but now it is becoming closer to reality....whoa!
love
allie
Seriously. And thats says a lot because the 8 miles in Kansas were pretty superb!
Reasons why:
-The landscape of New Mexico is SO beautiful. We went from flat desert outside Roswell to beautiful mountains. And the mountains are diverse as well, from green-covered to sandy with cactus. And NM used to have lots of Volcanic activity, we went through one area called Valley of Fire with black, volcanic rock.
-The weather has been hot, but it also cools down in the evenings. Its diverse but lovely. Two days ago we literally biked through clouds to clear skys. We also dodged beautiful thunderstorms and could see the storm and lightning from the distance. Oh, and I've seen two rainbows, one which was at the top of a mountain.
-Yesterday I went an extra 7 miles out of the way to go to a Very Large Array (VLA), a national satellite post with 27 HUGE satallites which record sound waves which give data to computers to help us understand the solar system better. Wickedly cool
-We got to the highest point in our trip yesterday: 8000ish feet. Which was at the top of the continental divide...did you know if you were to pee or pour water at the top of the continental divide, some might flow into the Pacific while part might flow into the Atlantic?
-Last night we stayed in Pie Town, NM: population 60. They made us a ton of pie, my favorites were the tri-berry, cherry, and peanut butter. And there was no light polution so when we got up this morning, the stars were more brillant than I've ever seen them.
And now, on to Arizona. The road crossing from NM to Arizona was beautiful, desolate, with lots of up and down hills. My friends have crowned me the "down hill champ" because I speed by them on the down hills, only to be passed going up.
All for now, except I can't believe that were are three states away from being done. That seems unreal. I know that when I started this trip I thought biking across the country was possible, but now it is becoming closer to reality....whoa!
love
allie
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Aliens, Ailments and okay I cant think of anything else that starts with A
Dear Friends,
The plague has struck B2SB route and its possible that we might not all survive (okay well im being a little dramatic). Today there were 11 out of 31 of us in the van...there seems to be some flu/viral/bug going around. I happen to be one of those 11...I'd been feeling weak two days ago but bike 90 miles anyways, and then slept 12 hours. However, yesterday on our day off I spilled my guts in the afternoon. One of the leaders took me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with "Volume Deficiency" or some term like that and sent home to drink fluids (Im mean I know I want to be a doctor but they could have just used lamens terms: dehydration). Anyways, I was able to keep down dinner and breakfast, but only biked 10 miles this morning before hopping in the van.
Even though I (and the group) are low on energy, there are still some highlights: the hills we are passing through in New Mexico are absolutely beautiful...they are green and lush and some people think it looks like Ireland. It was totally unexpected. Also, yesterday in Roswell I did make it to the UFO museum before I started feeling bad...I think either there are aliens out there or the military was definately covering up for some top secret mission. And the final plus, mail drop was two days ago. THANKS to Amanda for sending the HUG (and heres one for you) and mom and dad for the care package...the love from both are helping me through the next couple of days.
Well all for now!
love love love
allie "im sick and still attempting to bike" kossoy
The plague has struck B2SB route and its possible that we might not all survive (okay well im being a little dramatic). Today there were 11 out of 31 of us in the van...there seems to be some flu/viral/bug going around. I happen to be one of those 11...I'd been feeling weak two days ago but bike 90 miles anyways, and then slept 12 hours. However, yesterday on our day off I spilled my guts in the afternoon. One of the leaders took me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with "Volume Deficiency" or some term like that and sent home to drink fluids (Im mean I know I want to be a doctor but they could have just used lamens terms: dehydration). Anyways, I was able to keep down dinner and breakfast, but only biked 10 miles this morning before hopping in the van.
Even though I (and the group) are low on energy, there are still some highlights: the hills we are passing through in New Mexico are absolutely beautiful...they are green and lush and some people think it looks like Ireland. It was totally unexpected. Also, yesterday in Roswell I did make it to the UFO museum before I started feeling bad...I think either there are aliens out there or the military was definately covering up for some top secret mission. And the final plus, mail drop was two days ago. THANKS to Amanda for sending the HUG (and heres one for you) and mom and dad for the care package...the love from both are helping me through the next couple of days.
Well all for now!
love love love
allie "im sick and still attempting to bike" kossoy
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Pros and Cons of Texas
Sadly, I left Texas today. If I had kept a pro and cons list of Texas this is how it would have gone:
Pros:
-The flat land makes everything so visible, and riding into the blue sky and horizon is gorgeous.
-Yesterday we went to the second largest canyon in the US- Palo Duro. I didn't ride down into it, but standing on the edge was great! Plus we had to go East to get there, it was the first time all summer we had a tail wind, we were barely peddling and going 19 miles and hour!!
-We got in to Hereford yesterday early so we could go see the Batman movie, which was awesome! Two of the girls on our trip were extras in it, so we cheered when they made their one second deput.
-Uncle Kenny: I decided this morning that sometime soon we are going to have a bike ride from our house in kansas to your house. Dad said you use to bike a lot (thats so cool i never knew that!). You can either meet me half way, or I can suprise you on your doorstep...maybe dad can tag along too!
Cons:
-The industrial meet plants makes towns in texas REEK! I want to forever have absolutely not part of industrial meet. We biked past 5 or six feed lots...cow death camps. Cows are stuck together in pens where there are so many of them they can barely move. It smells rancid like too much poop and sickness all in one. Tons of semis pass us and after ever one I have to hold my breath. When we entered Hereford I almost blew chuncks because it smelled like poop, then molasses, then road kill (I guess there is a feed plant, packing plant, ethanol plant, and plant where they make raw hide bones for dogs out of left over cow parts).
A funny part:
We stayed last night in Hereford, the Beef Capital of the World. The church we stayed at served us pork.
And so far New Mexico is treating us great! Were staying in a dorm tonight and get this: I get my own bed!!!!!! Also, the land changed rapidly and there are already more desert plans and hills.
All for now, I think I'm off to take a nap (in my dorm room, and I can shut the door and no one will bother me!!!!)
~allie
Pros:
-The flat land makes everything so visible, and riding into the blue sky and horizon is gorgeous.
-Yesterday we went to the second largest canyon in the US- Palo Duro. I didn't ride down into it, but standing on the edge was great! Plus we had to go East to get there, it was the first time all summer we had a tail wind, we were barely peddling and going 19 miles and hour!!
-We got in to Hereford yesterday early so we could go see the Batman movie, which was awesome! Two of the girls on our trip were extras in it, so we cheered when they made their one second deput.
-Uncle Kenny: I decided this morning that sometime soon we are going to have a bike ride from our house in kansas to your house. Dad said you use to bike a lot (thats so cool i never knew that!). You can either meet me half way, or I can suprise you on your doorstep...maybe dad can tag along too!
Cons:
-The industrial meet plants makes towns in texas REEK! I want to forever have absolutely not part of industrial meet. We biked past 5 or six feed lots...cow death camps. Cows are stuck together in pens where there are so many of them they can barely move. It smells rancid like too much poop and sickness all in one. Tons of semis pass us and after ever one I have to hold my breath. When we entered Hereford I almost blew chuncks because it smelled like poop, then molasses, then road kill (I guess there is a feed plant, packing plant, ethanol plant, and plant where they make raw hide bones for dogs out of left over cow parts).
A funny part:
We stayed last night in Hereford, the Beef Capital of the World. The church we stayed at served us pork.
And so far New Mexico is treating us great! Were staying in a dorm tonight and get this: I get my own bed!!!!!! Also, the land changed rapidly and there are already more desert plans and hills.
All for now, I think I'm off to take a nap (in my dorm room, and I can shut the door and no one will bother me!!!!)
~allie
Monday, July 21, 2008
Steak and the Lone Star State
Greetings from Tejas!
Yesterday was really intense. We woke up at 4:40 so we could start riding at twilight (we ride while it is still partially dark but don't worry we have blinky lights). Anyways, I rode about 10 miles by myself because we woke up so early and I needed the first ten miles to wake up! About 2 hours after riding the wind started to pick up, as did the sun. It may have been one of the hardest days of the trip. Sarah, Oliver, Amol and I did a pace line (where you draft off of each other so you don't feel the wind) for at least 40 miles. We were dying trying to keep at around 10 miles an hour (which is pretty slow for us!). Oh, and did I mention that we were doing a century as well? I started to fade around 65, but luckily we had a second lunch at Dairy Queen, so I felt better after that.
So in sum, Texas is big, hot, and windy!
But perhaps more exciting, last night we went to The Big Texan, a famous steak house that offers a free 72 oz. steak to anyone who can eat that a potato, bread, salad and appetizer in all UNDER ONE HOUR! We cheered on Jorge, a native Texan of the group, who attempted to do so. It was really fun, and I lead the group in many a cheer. However, after 55 min, Jorge had 1/4 of the steak left. But we are all so proud of his attempt and the fact that he kept 50 oz of steak down...Also, I had a friend try some Rocky Mountain Oysters (guys...those aren't oysters!), and I stayed clear of the meat and had a Mango Daquiri
Today we are building in Amarillo, and Im excited! I hope the steak story makes you a proud Texan Uncle Kenny, and Uncle George and Aunt Laura it gives you fond memories of your old home!
~allie
Yesterday was really intense. We woke up at 4:40 so we could start riding at twilight (we ride while it is still partially dark but don't worry we have blinky lights). Anyways, I rode about 10 miles by myself because we woke up so early and I needed the first ten miles to wake up! About 2 hours after riding the wind started to pick up, as did the sun. It may have been one of the hardest days of the trip. Sarah, Oliver, Amol and I did a pace line (where you draft off of each other so you don't feel the wind) for at least 40 miles. We were dying trying to keep at around 10 miles an hour (which is pretty slow for us!). Oh, and did I mention that we were doing a century as well? I started to fade around 65, but luckily we had a second lunch at Dairy Queen, so I felt better after that.
So in sum, Texas is big, hot, and windy!
But perhaps more exciting, last night we went to The Big Texan, a famous steak house that offers a free 72 oz. steak to anyone who can eat that a potato, bread, salad and appetizer in all UNDER ONE HOUR! We cheered on Jorge, a native Texan of the group, who attempted to do so. It was really fun, and I lead the group in many a cheer. However, after 55 min, Jorge had 1/4 of the steak left. But we are all so proud of his attempt and the fact that he kept 50 oz of steak down...Also, I had a friend try some Rocky Mountain Oysters (guys...those aren't oysters!), and I stayed clear of the meat and had a Mango Daquiri
Today we are building in Amarillo, and Im excited! I hope the steak story makes you a proud Texan Uncle Kenny, and Uncle George and Aunt Laura it gives you fond memories of your old home!
~allie
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