the end of I-80

I feel OK about posting an entry in reference to this weeks riding conditions as we aren't headed back onto the interstate for the rest of the ride. Correct, we have been on the shoulder of a 4-6 lane interstate for the entirety of Nevada, or - 400 lonely miles. In short, I have felt totally deprived of civilization. So, yesterday with about 15 miles left, I shouted (to no one in particular) - "would it be too much to ask for the mountains to part and for a sprawling metropolis to appear before me?" Someone was listening because ten short miles later, the entire city of Sparks, Nevada (which, previous to this trip I had never heard of) was laid out before me in the mountain valley.

The interstate at this point is anything but safe. First of all, the shoulder is covered with some sort of shrapnel. If I had a nickel for every blown-up steel-belted tire I have seen this week, I wouldn't need to start looking for a job until 2008. These steel-belted tires are especially dangerous because they are not only a road hazard, but they also deposit these tiny splinters of metal into your supposedly impervious tires. These splinters cause what are known as "slow leaks" and you only realize your tire is flat after a long break off the bike. Furthermore, here was actually a portion where the shoulder was closed and we were traveling in the right lane with the other "slow traffic." Needless to say, I was so thankful when I saw our exit (which was preceded by a "Cyclists Must Exit" sign). Off the exit, Carys and I decided to do a bit of exploring. We found a 7-11 where we had some version of a Delirium Gatorade.

After 7-11, we hopped back on our bikes, only to discover that I had one of those pesky slow leaks. Calculating that we were probably only about two miles from our host location, Carys suggested that instead of fighting to replace the tube, we should walk. So, I started walking my bike along another fairly busy road. After about a mile, Carys saw a shopping cart in the parking lot next to the road and immediately suggested that we try out the whole "side car" thing. When I refused, she jumped in herself. I put my bike on top of the cart and hopped on her bike, pulling -- until we met back up with the main road.

Today was our very last build day, and I was thrilled when I heard that the site had accommodated a group of 120 last week. After an organizational meeting, a few of us were put to work securing the STYROFOAM walls. Apparently, they put these big pieces of Styrofoam up and then pour concrete inside of it, providing both strength and insulation. Albeit perplexed, I was thrilled to have a job to do.

Now back at the YMCA, we have sort of taken over. There isn't much space for us so we have, like usual, draped ourselves over every available square inch of space. Right now, I am sitting in a dingy hall way off of the maintenance room where only minutes ago. Last night, people refused to sleep in the gym on account of rodents, one of which crawled in and out of Carys' shorts a few moments ago.

After today we have only six more ride days. Thank you all for all your support: letters, wall posts, emails... it is fun to know that there are actually people out there reading this.