My knees took a real beating, probably from Tuesday's 5000' cumulative elevation climb. By Wednesday's end it was excruciating to even follow the pedals around, even on a downhill coast. I elected to turn towards home, rather than commit deeper into the mountains, where rescue would be increasingly problematic. Perry, battered by the long hot days, decided to turn back and support me.
Extremely convenient and cheap was the Appaloosa Express bus, which got us from Kooskia to Lewiston by 10:05 am, with bikes on rack, for $2 each. We went to the local bike shop to box the bikes, expecting to FedEx them while we looked for further bus options. At the library to research such options we realized renting a car was by far easier than partial connections and inconvenient schedules of public transportation. We made a rental reservation, attempted to find the local bus stop to the airport rental, when a kind stranger offered us a ride. Then we picked up the bike boxes and were on our way. Whew! Almost too easy.
Seeing the hard work of our route unravel so quickly in reverse reminded me of playing a cassette backwards: Kooskia, Kamiah, Lewiston, Clarkston, Pataha, Pomeroy, Dayton, Waitsburg, Walla Walla, Touchet, Umatilla, Plymouth, Paterson, Roosevelt, Maryhill, Biggs...blweep, blweep, blweep. (Sorry if the cassette reference is lost on you young folks.)
I hold out some hope that by resting and avoiding the Rockies my knees might recover enough to rejoin the tour later on. Meanwhile the "honorary twins" march on toward Montana: Dee Dee, Mark, Sue, Bruce, and Rob. Blogging will most likely continue, with other authorship.
All for now,
~ Carol
I'm glad your return home was so easy.
ReplyDeleteTake good care of those joints known as kneesy.
Lots of rest and some ice,
(Ibuprofen is nice),
And with luck you'll remount and avoid future limericks that are so cheesy.
Congratulations for all the distance you pedaled. As a former resident of Walla Squared I loved reading the descriptions of the countryside. Hope you are not overcome with disappointment.
ReplyDeleteAndrew and Kelsey will be here on your birthday so I can't come visit, but you already both have your birthday cards, hope you will enjoy them in whatever way seems most fun. love, big sis
Hi Carol: I know you are feeling some disappointment right now. I wish I was home right now to cajole you into Starbucks Therapy! You guys sure did great though. There is just no way to predict what the body decides to do. I like the thought of hooking up later though! Love you friend, Avalon
ReplyDelete