Why am I doing this?


credits to Justin Bond of Star Talent Events for the audio.


Thanks for stopping in! This summer, I'll be biking 2500 miles from San Francisco to Gibson City, IL to raise $4000 for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and the Ford County Youth Soccer Club. My route map.

Why?
There are so many reasons. As a youngster growing up in central Illinois, playing soccer, as rare as it was for the area, was an activity that really shaped me into the person I am today. Not only combining the importance of fitness and teamwork, but also leadership and discipline. I have always wanted to have the opportunity to give back to this organization (FCYSC), and I feel that this is my chance.

Living just outside of Gibson City causes every child to be an avid cyclist to survive that stretch of Route 9 to make it into town. As I've progressed into my current career as an urban planner, I realize how much of an impact cycling can make in certain parts of the United States, in reducing our dependence on vehicles, increasing our health, among other benefits. Atlanta is the place that re-energized my spirit for transportation planning and I hope to be able to return some gratitude to the ABC, a cause that I still feel has an uphill battle in that town.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at supawanich@gmail.com

Friday, August 7, 2009

brrrrr it's cold up here.




I had a bit of a late start this morning but was out and rolling around 9am... I think I was procrastinating because I didn't want to climb out of Cedar City. But once I got rolling, it was a beautiful trip up to Cedar Breaks National Monument. On the ascent, had a great view of Zion National Park to the south and then had a new max on the altimeter as I crossed 10000 feet for the first (of two) times on the trip. But wow, is it cold up there. It was probably in the 50s which isn't so bad until your bombing down the backside of the hill at 40 mph. At that speed your toes start going numb and your teeth start chattering... but it feeels oh so good to be making some serious mileage and to not be pedalling.
The climb actually wasn't so bad, that is largely due to the fact that I wasn't pulling 50 pounds of trailer weight and that it was still early. I summited around 1230pm and was into Panguitch by 230pm. It's a quaint little town with the one flashing re
d stop light and a few antique stores. Tons of motels due to its proximity to the national parks. Actually, came on just the right day since it's Friday night and the big event in town is the movie night in the park.... well except that I'm lame and tired and will be sleeping by 10pm.

On my way down the backside of the hill, I did have a pretty fabulous tailwind, so I took some video to represent my joy.




Tomorrow will be a big day as the parents will be heading back to Atlanta. It was great to be able to spend some time with them and that seriously helped keep me fed and kept the trailer off my bike for a few days. Tomorrow, I'll be pulling my normal weight plus about 5 days of breakfast lunch and dinner. yay.

Hope all is well and have a great weekend!

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