In Route to our Roots: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Departure Day!! (aprrox. 130 miles today) The day started off bright and early and in proper fashion with a visit from Uncle Jeff and Aunty Clare and their posse of bikers. I sneaked in a quick workout after the guys took off then met up with them for the first break (see pic) on Thorton road in Stockton. Zach decided to switch gloves because the other ones were hurting his delicate hands. The guys wolfed down some electrolytes and then took off for Old Town Sacramento. I went ahead to buy a couple of chairs, chap stick, headphones, and an i-pod for Zachy at the Target nearby. We met up near old Sacramento and I made the dudes some sandwiches, they hydrated, and took some much needed rest (see pic). I asked Zach how he was doing and elegantly/poetically responded, "My legs were tired at first, but then I got use to it". He also mentioned that the wind made a big difference but because he was so nice he let my dad lead as he drafted behind him. After planning their route, the guys took off again for today's homestretch to Yuba City. I went ahead and I am now sitting in a Starbucks in Yuba City (I didn't know you had to pay for wifi here...but the tall mocha frappuccino was pretty damn good)booking tonight's hotel and writing this masterpiece. I saw that it was 80 degrees outside (a cool 65 degrees inside the car) as I was driving to Yuba City so hopefully the guys have enough Gatorade and water to last!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Day Before

It's the day before the launch and the packing is coming along (see the pic.). Zach Juarez was so dedicated he even got a haircut, making him much lighter and much more aerodynamic. The route is all planned and you'll hopefully be hearing from us from around Yuba City tomorrow night. Zach and Ralph are going to do their daily prayer to the cycling gods and they'll be leaving around too early o'clock tomorrow morning (7.a.m.?) and I'll be following shortly behind. Time to hit up Barnes & Noble so I have something to read along the way.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Rain?!? and Appreciation

Zach and Ralph are driving up to Palo Alto today to pick up some rain gear for the trip. They are expecting 4 days of rain. I am expecting 4 days of dryness since I'll be in the car. Only three days until they leave for the trip and things are starting to really come together. In addition, another bike was added o the arsenal today in case one of the main 2 don't work.

Also, I would like to thank everyone who has donated or has assisted with anything in regards to the trip. Ralph and Zach thought of the idea, but is those who helped who really made it possible. Thanks!

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Lummi Nation?

Ralph and Zach are biking up to the Lummi Nation, but some of you may be wondering what exactly the Lummi Nation is. Here is a little information I found from a booklet my dad received-
The Lummi Nation is an Indian reservation that is populated by the Lhaq'temish, "the Lummi People". They are the original inhabitants of Washington's northernmost coast and southern British Columbia. For thousands of years, they worked, struggled, and celebrated life on the shores and waters of Puget Sound. Their culture was built on the abundant gifts of the sea and forest - food from fishing, hunting, and plant gathering - yo'mech; the spring salmon; soxuve, butter clams; kwawach, the elk; skao's, wild potatoes; and sqw'elengexm, blackberries. the towering red cedar tree, xe'py, gave them life, shelter, clothing, transportation, and spiritual well-being. They lived in villages throughout their territory - the San Juan archipelago and the mainland, including the present Lummi Reservation near Bellingham, Washington. The sea was their highway, the canoe their means of travel, sustenance, and contact between villages. Their Elders believe that through the union of canoe-pulling, they achieve perfect harmony and balance. The idea of harmony and unison is the basis of Lummi spiritual and community existence. It is called schelangen, the Lummi way of life.