Phoenix Rising

Posted on by Lindsay
It's been nearly a week of living in Phoenix and because I am an asshole with a short-term memory, I've pretty much forgotten that everybody back home is still suffering miserably through a chilly winter. As a sign in our condo says, "Phoenix: Where Summer Spends Winter" (but then goes on to say "...and where Hell Spends Summer.") It's so nice to ride in shorts and cultivate my sunburn! And now that I have made enemies of you all with my bragging, I will mention that I have a cold, it hurts to breathe, and I'm hacking up phlegmballs. See? There is fairness in life after all. The week has been uneventful, aside from the part where we're all living off zinc, emergen-C, and paranoia. It's almost a relief to already be sick because when you are in team housing, it's only a matter of time. At least I have ...continue reading.

BOOM Goes the Dynamite

Posted on by Lindsay
When I arrived in Phoenix on Friday, it was with mixed emotions. I was thrilled to have successfully driven across America without getting arrested or killed or stranded on the side of the road (in that order of concern), but also sad to be pulling off the highway for a while. I'd have to actually start wearing respectable clothing and eating food that requires refrigeration. TRAGEDY. [Also, it is now Monday and I am still wearing the same outfits anyway.] The highlight of arriving in Phoenix was getting to see my teammates. And holy shitballs, it is awesome to be with my teammates. They are already my home away from home. We moved into our team condo for the week and promptly exploded all over the house; every surface is covered with helmets, glasses, bottles, Chomps, sunscreen, and snacks. Sunday afternoon was the Sun Devil Criterium, our first race of the ...continue reading.

Day 8 in which the red rocks rocked me

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Flagstaff, AZ to Phoenix, AZ Number of times I gave the finger: Wait, was I driving? Thought I was just sightseeing... Cups of coffee: Another Peritus French press with breakfast, a few ounces of Coffee Slingers cold brew chugged before riding, and a Starbucks Americano with an epic view. Low point of the day: Loaded down with heavy bags and a dripping rotisserie chicken, I wandered around the housing complex in Phoenix trying to find Unit 214 as my pants started to fall down and tears of frustration started. Somebody finally took pity on me and offered to help. It was unseasonably warm in Flagstaff, AZ yesterday, so instead of driving down south to ride, I used the route just outside town recommended by my Airbnb host. He described it as an out-and-back along a single road. Normally I don't like out-and-back routes because the temptation to go back is stronger than the urge ...continue reading.

Day 7 in which I change my favorite color to terra cotta

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ Number of times I gave the finger: It was dark for much of my drive, so why bother? Cups of coffee: One mug brewed by Mr. JBV himself; strong, dark, delicious. The man has eight different ways to brew coffee in his kitchen, so I expected nothing less than perfection. Biggest accomplishment: I peeled and ate 2 hardboiled eggs while driving. Didn't take my eyes off the road, didn't drop below 80mph, didn't eat any shell. HELL YEAH. This is going on my resume. After leaving Canyon, TX, I drove to Albuquerque, NM (which I spell by typing "albuququq" and waiting for autocorrect to step in) to spend the night at John Verheul's house. We'd previously only interacted online, but when he saw I was driving west, he kindly offered to host me. After telling my parents that I planned to spend the week in strangers' homes that I booked ...continue reading.

Day 6 in which I prevail upon the kindness of strangers

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Canyon, TX to Albuquerque, NM Number of times I gave the finger: None. Today was all hugs and puppies and candy. Cups of coffee: 2 cups with my lovely Airbnb host and 1 latte from Palace Coffee Company, the warmest coffee shop I've ever visited. Personal growth moment: Eating salmon out of a can at a gas station. Let's do that again never. Morning dawned warm and bright in Canyon, TX, which was great news for my plans to do a 4-hour ride into Palo Duro Canyon. Hooray! Sunshine! The weather app (WHICH I CHECKED, YES, I DID) said it was going to get cooler and windy in the afternoon, so I dressed accordingly and set out on my bike. Admittedly, it was very windy. But with the sun shining, I warmed up quickly and stripped off my gloves and headband. Things seemed to be going well. Thirty minutes in, I started ...continue reading.

Day 5 in which this road trip surpasses expectations

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Oklahoma City, OK to Canyon, TX Number of times I gave the finger: 0! It was a cheerful day. Cups of coffee: A French press of Peritus with breakfast and then hits mid-drive from the jug of cold brew that I bought from Coffee Slingers in OKC specifically for the bottle, a fact that would horrify the snooty coffee dorks working there. More instances of panic because the gas tank was empty with nary a station in sight: 1. I will probably not learn this lesson until I'm walking down the interstate carrying a gas can. Thoughts from the highway: (1) An 18-wheeler flat-bed transporting huge stacks of exposed hay bales has got to be the least aerodynamic vehicle ever, like a gigantic unshaven leg. (2) Bob Dylan sounds like he is perpetually whining. (3) We took land from the Native Americans, marginalized and abused them, and then appropriated their culture to manufacture tacky souvenirs to sell ...continue reading.