Life has granted me plenty of opportunities to deal with pains in the butt: on a bicycle, at work, and in my personal life. I've learned that the same tips that ease the pain from the saddle can also bring relief at work.
Speaking of adversity, I had a strong headwind for the first part of the day. It was so strong I had to pedal to descend a -3% grade.
I bowed over my aero bars for a more streamlined position. The tall grass alongside the road seemingly reciprocated with mutual respect as the stalks bowed their golden plumes in my direction. Over the deafening rush of wind, I couldn't quite make out their whispers. But I imaged their words: "Strong winds grow strong roots anchored in the life-giving water hidden beneath the parched surface. Keep going!"
In addition to encouragement from the grass, I was inspired to learn that Captain Meriwether Lewis, Lieutenant William Clark, and Sakajawea pioneered this stretch of road that was an ancient Native American path, later a stage coach route, then finally the highway I followed today.
This is Beaverhead Rock--a historic landmark resembling the head of a swimming beaver that helped Sacagawea guide the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805.
Making memories
- Tonight I'm staying at the Bill White Bicycle Camp. This is in the city park in Twin Bridges, MT. It's a lovely concept I hadn't seen before. There's a small building just for cyclists with a shower, a large kitchen sink, a bicycle work stand, tables, couches, and electricity. Cyclists pitch their tents on the lawn. There's no one else here tonight, so I'm camping inside the small building (with a mouse
). I brushed it out the door once, but it came right back in. Hopefully this mouse quiets down with the scratching and stays away from my sleeping bag!
Love the visual of the grass bending to the wind and the quote “strong winds grow strong roots!” ❤️