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.


Monday, August 13, 2012

Day 55. A farewell in flagstaff

Miles: 35
Weather: 80 degrees
Elevation gain: 2500 Ft

35 miles, 11 hours, two phrases that should never go together. Our shortest day yet and we were told by locals it was because we were about to climb a mountain straight to the top. And it was worth every switchback. Looking down at the windy road it was as if one had woven a string along the trees trailing far into the distance. So we averaged a slow 3 mph, we could have walked it, but not with our 2 river swim stops, a 40 foot cliff jump into a lake, 3 scenic over lookout stops, a hot tub at the Hampton Inn, and the final finale celebration to farewell one of our beloved riders. Nick A. made the stand filled with champagne and a posse of 32, we filled the streets of Flagstaff failing to find a salt lake to resemble the pacific ocean, but still making his last day epic. There comes a time when real life, aka grad school, takes president over Bike & Build, and his time had come. His speech, holding proud his American Flag, was there are some experiences in life no one else understands expect those who cross the path with you... You can guess the rest, as we nearly all stood in tears.