Intro

Welcome to a story, or stories I should say. A compilation of adventure tales. An ongoing itch to see, smell, and touch the world, or at least the deserted roads and rarely trampled mountains of America. Characters within the descriptive paragraphs of these stories carve out the coming and going companions in life; vital life people and pieces that parallel a universe for moments, days, years. And then spear off, leaving granules of magnificent memories of magical places. They leave a lasting trace, a gained sense of courage to stand tall on oxygen deprived mountains and shout absurdities like: I love you Ralph! Ralph is a teenage reindeer stuffed of the finest synthetic polyester fiber poof; he says made in Indonesia but really tells me he is from the North Pole. Delivered through a chimney one December night 20 years ago, we instantly became cuddle buddies upon that morning's sunrise. He is the instigator. The inspiration. And the imagination. He breathes creativity. Laughter. His is a dear companion. And yes, at 4lbs he tags along atop a pack or strapped to a rack. In delirium of 107 degree heat, the small possession of material belongings gain a persona. Innate objects become friends of the road and trails. And as for the humans who accompany, their presence reads priceless. Without O'Reilly, a 29 year old New Hampshirian with superior taste buds, the mathematical six foot four inch tall German, or handful of organic peanut butter and 99 cent jam eating munchkins, there would be a lot less excitement. The encounters we make with our specie, encapsulating the world with their awkward ways and over consumerist love, somehow we have managed to become overly adored creatures. Their generous hearts restore a faith that goodness prevails in the upheaval of a sometimes lost humanity. As for myself, I'm just the navigator, paddling up the stream of life munching on Clif Bars, with an iPhone documenting the frailties and goodies underneath all the simplified complexities in the world we reside. So again, I welcome you to get lost and dream a little through this typed text and your imagination. My name is Kristen Gentilucci. I live in Berkeley California and I love dogs.


Thursday, August 9, 2012

Day 52. Smokey Bear's Birthday

Miles: 56
Me: buggy party
Weather: 80 degrees at 7500 ft 100 at 3500 ft

For the past week after leaving flat boring cop ladened Texas we have slowly made our way on a steady climb up the plateaus and steep ridges of the Rocky Mountains. Once again my turn to tow lunch around and on the day when all the hard work pays off, I'm in the van with a bug splattered window to peer put of. We hit the crest and an expansive 30 down hill free for all into the town of Payson Arizona. Passing riders in buggy and trailer, some had glances of pure concentration, other complete fear, and others trying to top the max speed a bicycle can hit.

We have been meandering through Arizona somehow without leaving national forests. It just never ends, and I question if the lengthy forest is because we are on rock hard plastic leather seats and 2 wheels for 130 miles of sweat and smiles for 2 days thus far or if really the rich mountain air and never ending row of trees extend into infinity.

3,000 miles today is the accomplished total, and it couldn't have been done without good company or urgent care visits. Saddle sores the size of ping pong balls, i thank my Specialized seat for treating me with respect. Bike shops, ice cream parlors, and even Mc Donalds have become scarce. But there definitely isn't a lack of locals yelling obscurities through car windows. The facts, Arizona, worst drivers, but it has his charming vibe despite that. There is no hiding the bitter remorse and resentment that still exists between the native Americans, but one thing that anyone can agree on is how absolutely gorgeous this state is.