There are a few things that everyone might consider a nuisance when cycling across the country, and somehow the team managed to encounter them one after another, all in one day. The list of encumbrances goes something like this:
1) Long, Unexpected Inclines
The team had about 70 miles to cover today. That alone was sobering thought, given it was the most mileage we have needed to cover in a day thus far. However, when we started the day, we were under the impression that at least most of those 70 miles would be downhill. Nevada had other plans for us. What we thought would be a gentle downhill slope turned out to be miles of winding, uphill road weaving between towering red rock. Needless to say, we were less than pleased at this development.
2) Cricket Swarms
So apparently the Battle Born State has been dealing with a severe infestation of invasive “Mormon Crickets,” a fact we first learned of when we pulled into a parking lot to take a break only to find it covered in a carpet of russet red crickets. The crickets would remain a nuisance for the rest of the day, increasing in number as time went on. Now as I write this, the memory of them jumping around, smacking our legs as we pedaled makes me wince, I doubt it’s a feeling that I, or anyone else on the team, will forget soon.
3) Rain
As if cricket swarms were not enough, rain came pouring down about ¾ of the way through today’s route, as if the heavens themselves were weeping for our plight with the critters.
4) Lightning
A menacing cumulonimbus cloud had been stalking Helen and I for the entirety of our ride, and though for a moment we thought we could shake it, we ultimately became enveloped in a fully fledged thunderstorm in the middle of the desert. We soon met up with the sag wagon and the team decided it might be wise to stop biking. Instead, we would try and shuttle everyone out of the storm in hopes we might be able to bike the rest of the way once out. Anna and I volunteered to wait while the rest of the team checked out the situation ahead. As the van drove off, we scrambled to find shelter, but there was none to be found in this desolate stretch of road. So there we were, drenched and defeated, contemplating our life choices and wondering why we didn't just take up knitting instead.
Leo and Alex didn’t make us wait long though, and we were soon reunited with the rest of the team (finding Helen and Victoria folded in a tarp taco). Unfortunately, there was no way we were gonna get ahead of the storm, so we piled into the van as lightning clashed overhead, racing the cumulonimbus to the campground where we would spend the night.
In the end, Day 11 turned out to be a rollercoaster ride of misfortune and hilarity. From battling uphill inclines that seemed never-ending to being bombarded by a relentless army of crickets, and then being drenched by rain and chased by lightning, it felt like the universe had conspired against us. But despite the absurdity of it all, we couldn't help but find humor in our soggy predicament. As we huddled together in the van, rain pouring outside and lightning flashing in the sky, we laughed, knowing that these are the moments we'll remember and retell with a mix of disbelief and fondness. Tomorrow is a new day, and who knows what other bizarre challenges await us on this wild cross-country cycling adventure. Bring it on, universe!
~ Jordan