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.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Day 10. Idaho

Miles: 77
Elevation gain: who cares? 3500ft?
Temperature: 101 degree F

Waking in a bed was sheer pleasure, and we were warmly greeted with a happy face pancake at breakfast in the cafe. Tire troubles continued all day, flat upon flat until defeated. As if an arrowhead speared through O'Reilly's tire, the entire patch kit along with Clif Bar wrapping for extra sealant, the holes were just too dispairing. Cooking like a rotisserie chicken between the manuer brown canyon walls sprinkled with dried wheat, hitching a ride was nearly impossible. Finally a friendly sort who had seen us downing french fries in the cafe the previous night, pulled up with a wave and in we went, 55 miles to nearest bicycle hospital around. 

Mobil again, we darted towards Boise. The slopes of thunderstormed mountains were rich with farmlands and forest fire tycoons. Passing the pulsings of electric grasshoppers, we plowed by threshed cereal smells malting from fresh rains.  The wheat stalks tangoed with the headwind, contrasting the green tops of watery eye onion fields. 

Boise is just a morning's coffee ride away, and a bit daunting the complexities of city life await. We live in simple terms, single HWYs for days, lack of McDonalds or signs of American life for miles, and sleeping on the river of the Oregon/Idaho border, all dreams referenced tea and showers. We finally captured summer and reclaimed lost childhood dreams. We anxietiously denyed sunsets as if playtime lasted to infinity. We were ecstatic and blissful. When every worry in life is condensed down to the present, every happy moment is complete and saving. 




Field notes: hwy 20 all the way to 281 was an ample shoulder. Mediums traffic road. No services from Juntura to vale, 52 miles. Great bike shop in Ontario, East Oregon Cyclery. 281 S has an good shoulder, but is a heavily trafficed road. Lots of farmlands so camping can be a bit tricky.