WHITEFISH, MT
DAY 56 JULY 22 REST DAY
Never use your face as a brake pad.
Jake Watson
Today was completely a rest day. No support projects were scheduled because it was felt that we needed time to recharge our bodies, do laundry and simply have a change of pace for one day.
With the Whitefish ski area only a few miles away, someone mentioned that there are a series of zip-lines at the resort. Having ridden many roller coaster type thrill rides with and without my grandson, I have often wanted to try a zip-line and here was the opportunity. There are 7 zip-lines with the tallest being the Adrenaline; 1,800 feet long, 300 feet high and 100 times awesome (so said the brochure). Frankly, none of the 7 was as hairy as some of the thrill rides we have experienced in the past but they were a very enjoyable way to spend a few hours. If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend a zip-line.
While waiting outside a local bicycle shop where some corrective work was being performed, I spoke with a former bicycle mechanic who is now a local high school teacher. He was familiar with Logan Pass and the weather of a few days earlier and he mentioned, "It's a good thing you didn't have carbon wheels!" Well, I did have carbon wheels but, after the rumble strip accident, the front wheel was replaced with one of aluminum. I had noticed quite vividly that the braking on my rear wheel in the wet was practically nonexistent and that the front provided the necessary braking on the steep downhills. Therefore, my accident several days earlier may have been quite fortunate in that it may have saved me from a disastrous situation coming off of Logan Pass.
We have come a long way since the 28th of May. 3,585 miles and dealing with hill, valley, rain, cold, heat, winds of all varieties, roads both excellent and horrible and also many other obstacles which we have forgotten now that they have passed. None of the riders have even hinted of dropping out. Through it all, we have not lost sight of the reason we are riding; to generate interest and funding toward finding a cure for MS. The support we have received during the ride has been amazing! Everyone along the way has been extremely complimentary and I am proud to be involved in such a meaningful effort.
Tomorrow is back to the bicycle and the resumption of our trek to the Pacific Coast. I am very much looking forward to it!
Tip: Indoor trainers are a good way to maintain a degree of physical fitness in inclement weather but you are advised to ride outdoors whenever possible.
