the disorganization

When I say disorganization, I don't mean the disorganization that goes hand in hand with any organization, disorganization has actually replaced the term organization in regards to Bike and Build. Various incidents and events suggested that we were, in fact, biking with a disorganization, but the event that solidified the term occurred the day we crossed from West Virginia into Home Sweet Ohio. The directions read that we should cross into Ohio and continue for 62 miles on Route 7 West. Unfortunately, Route 7 wasn't labeled as clearly as one (on a self-powered vehicle) would hope, and as a result, Carys and I thought it wise to call the van to avoid unnecessary miles. Cooper, who had recently taken a concussion-causing spill, was resting in the van and assured me that we should take a left at the bridge. He added that the van wasn't far behind, and we should be passed relatively soon (usually a sign that you are headed the right way.) Satisfied with his answer, we kept riding. About 15 miles later and no sign of the van, we got a bit nervous again. We stopped on the side of the road to call the van, and Cooper answered again. Sensing my concern, he delved into an explanation. I was surprised but not shocked to hear that the van had been pulled over for having stolen plates. I laughed to myself, wondering why Bike and Build had to stoop so low as to steal plates off of another NY vehicle, but Cooper continued, Bike and Build themselves had reported them stolen, then found them, reattached them to the trailer and failed to notify the police. It seems that it was just a matter of time before we were caught "stealing" the trailer.

Cooper also wanted me to amend my blog entry from a few weeks ago where I talked about the scenery/pavement across the United States. After his second hospital visit, he swears that his bike is actually trying to buck him off and kill him. Needless to say, the concussion has left him a bit cynical. "Carrie," he said to me, "it isn't enough to suggest Bike and Build is like sitting on a bike on the pavement. Suggest that they [you] take your bikes out of your garage but instead of the cul-de-sac, head to your local gym and go inside of the sauna. Then, while you sit on your bike looking at the ground, hit yourself in the face with a hammer, for charity." I think Cooper offers valuable insight into the "frequently-injured" contingent of this B&B trip.