Today started off a little rough. Until the last day or two (it was changed in July), Adventure Cycling has recommended a detour that included 12 miles of “gravel,’ to avoid a congested and dangerous highway. I found this gravel excruciatingly difficult to ride on a loaded touring bike. In places, it was deep and loose sand and gravel, and I nearly fell down multiple times. Even when it was more solid, it was usually only solid in one or two thin strips that eventually “petered out,” and I’d have to unclip to safely make it across “windrows” of gravel or sand to make it to another semi-solid strip.
In addition, it rained lightly the entire time. In addition to the annoyance factor, sand plus rain is terrible for my drivetrain, and terrible for sandals.
So, I was pretty grumbly for a long time.
Then, I spotted a large unrestrained German Shepherd pacing in front of a farmhouse. Believing all of the scary dogs were behind me, I’d already mailed back all of my anti-scary-dog accessories. I muttered something like, “Well, of course there’s a scary dog. Now all we need are some blind curves and coal trucks!”
As I got closer, I saw the scary dog was wagging his tail hopefully. Taking a chance, I called out, “Who’s a good dog?” in a cheery voice. This dog came unglued! He was so wiggly and excited, repeatedly jumped on me, and then abruptly lay down for belly rubs. He was clean, had a collar, and knew all of the basic commands. This was no scary watchdog! He was a big baby! We spent several minutes together, and all of stress and irritation about the road vanished. When I pedaled off, I told him to “Stay” and he dutifully did so, but I could see him watching me sadly. Then he started running after me, and it broke my heart to have to yell, “Go home!” But he did.
For the remainder of my mini-ordeal, whenever I found my frustration or impatience starting to boil over, I just thought of my sweet Kansas pupper friend, and felt my emotions subside.
I hope his family really loves him!
When I finally reached pavement, I briefly considered getting on my hands and knees to kiss it. I decided not to. 😁
The other notable thing that happened today was that I passed the first (non-racer) full-TransAm riders heading east. I’ve met a few who started other places, but these were the first who’d started in Oregon. I met five people in three groups!
First I met Terry and Ryan, a father and son from Florida (at least Terry is from Florida). I love that they are doing this together!
Then I met Bev, who is doing a solo TransAm. She is from New Zealand, and it didn’t occur to me until later that she’s the only woman I’ve met doing a self-supported tour.
Finally, I met Steve and Greg. Steve, Greg and a third friend did a tour when they were kids, and they had been saying they’d do it again when they retired. Steve retired recently, so they are doing it! The third friend wasn’t free for the whole tour, but did the Rockies with them. I think this a GREAT way to celebrate retirement and a lifetime of friendship!
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