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

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Welcome to Utah... the welcome mat was not out.


The Nevada desert, there are plenty of sights to see, including endless miles of desert if you're into that kind of thing. The sunset last night was however, particuarly great.
Today was a rough one... this morning I left from the Border Inn (which is rightfully named as it sits in pure isolation) on the nevada/utah border on a journey into a new state, Utah. Unfortunately, after great successes in Nevada and no serious breakdowns, it seems as if my luck came out a bit short on my first day in the SkiUtah! state. I righted my ship (bike and trailer on a road due south on the 85 mile trek to Milford, UT.
Right from the start, the Border Inn never seemed to leave my rear view mirror because I was headed directly into a 10-20mph headwind... (when you're on a bike... these things really make a difference), so instead of cruising along at a blistering pace of 15-18mph, I was stuck headdown into the wind going around 9mph... it makes for a long day. However, I was greeted with this little joy of artwork a little bit in, which made all the difference :-)

As I left Nevada, I was anxious to explore Utah, and hope that this state had a few more moving souls as compared to the last. But I suppose this goal would have to wait until I ventured further inland. No people around these parts of Utah. That headwind I mentioned? Yeah, that lasted for about 50 of those 75 miles without services. But the pavement sure was nice.

Welcome to the Dust Bowl! I had heard about these dust storms, but they were ususally associated with some 9th grade social studies story about people crossing the great plains in search of Fort Laramie and the Oregon Trail. But no, they apparently happen in Utah too. Luckily, no cyclists were harmed in today's dirt crossing. However, my rear tire didn't make it through the encounter, and Utah served me up my first flat of the ride... not so bad considering the ride is about 700 miles in so far. Of course, it had to happen in the valley of dust.


I tried to cover up my face to protect myself from the dust, I then proceeded to go to Milford and rob banks.

For some live action video, check out these clips from my last days in Nevada.



here's one of the dust storm... and my finger covering the lens... sorry about that.


I'll be reporting in tomorrow from lovely cedar city, ut!

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 6, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    Your adventures are epic! The cow photo seemed worth all the effort in the headwind (at least to me, considering I didn't have to ride through it to see it...)

    You're blogging is awesome! I feel like I get to live vicariously through your journey :) Thanks!

    Have fun! Christy

    ReplyDelete
  2. ha1kuAugust 6, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    You ever get nervous about some guy in car sneaking up on you at 110 mph, and then zooming by you? I'd crap my shorts...

    ReplyDelete

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