“At that moment I knew, surely and clearly, that I was witnessing perfection. He stood before us, suspended above the earth, free from all its laws like a work of art, and I knew, just as surely and clearly, that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last.”

— “A River Runs Through It”

As I rode past a river today (Aug. 20), that quote jumped into my mind. It was so reminiscent of the movie. I rode as usual with the lead group. We were on a paved road and I can usually hang with the big dogs on the tarmac. At about 15 miles, we hit some gravel roads so I backed off and watched the big dogs fade in the distance. After a spell, I came to a fork in the road and waited for more cyclists to come along since my Garmin was low on battery and I didn’t turn it on. Pretty soon, along came Luca, the architect from Milan and Brad the accountant from Edmonton. I rode with both on different days and knew our pace was compatible.

It was rather uneventful until we came into the SAG at the halfway mark of 25 miles. Avert was there as well as a few other riders who hit the road while we were eating. It also happened to be Sean’s last day as he was going home as his wife is expecting twins soon. He wants to meet us on the road at some point since we will be within 50 miles of his hometown Aspen. I gave him my thanks and well wishes. Sean is originally from Ireland and truly nice chap. He rode sweep mist days which means that he rides with the slowest riders and makes sure we all make it to camp safely.

Avert asked if we would make it a foursome, we all agreed but he and Brad quickly moved up front. I stayed back with Luca for quite few miles. When we got closer to town, I rejoined Avert and chased him into Whitefish. Now, my Garmin is not working so when Avert rides through the stop light and I stop, I lose contact with my “map”. I find myself touring around Whitefish, trying to find the “Cheap Sleep Motel” and not really wanting to ask for directions. As I was looking at one of the maps available on a street corner, along comes Brad who knows the way to the motel.

The hotel is nicer than its name and the riders get something to eat and drink at the tables outside. Steve already is in the room and offers to take a few of my bags up. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I relent. I take off on my bike looking for a few things, among which was a cable to recharge the Garmin. I ride across town and the dude at the bike shop says the best place is about two blocks from our hotel. I did get turned around several times so I added an extra 8 or so miles to my daily total.

That evening, Steve, Pit\r Patric and I enjoy some of the towns local adult beverages as well as pizza. The conversation is relaxed and interesting as we explore each other’s countries, heritage and interests.

I have spent my “rest day” catching up on the blog, messages and needed supplies. I did find another cable so my Garmin issues may be abating other than those ascribed to “user-error”.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate your support!

Tailwinds

Chuck