October
4, 2009
Dear Friends:
Your support
of Tour of Discovery during this summer was invaluable. Your generous words
of encouragement, financial sponsorship, and the purchase of Green Miles
wristbands contributed enormously to the success of this cross-country
cycling expedition.
I wish to
thank you in person and have the opportunity to tell the story about my
journey. It is my pleasure to invite you to attend a free panel discussion
organized by Nova Southeastern University.
For details,
please see below.
Kind Regards,
Rafael Giraldo
www.rafaelgiraldo.com
Schoolteacher
Who Biked Across America to Display Photos of Journey
Where:
Nova
Southeastern University is holding a
free panel discussion featuring Giraldo at the Don Taft University Center at
the main campus in Davie.
When: The discussion is open to the public. It is this
Thursday, October 8th at 7 p.m. in the Don Taft University
Center, third floor, room PVA 309.
Who: Panelists include Giraldo, Timothy Dixon, professor of
history and legal studies at NSU, Daniel Markarian, NSU program professor
for social studies, and Tim Petraitis, a U.S. history teacher at Cypress Bay
High School.
Tony Fins,
editorial page editor at the Sun-Sentinel, will moderate the panel. It will
be an informal coffee table-style discussion, which will feature an exchange
of dialogue between the panelists.
Additional
information at: Sun
Sentinel and/or Nova
Southeastern University
Sun
Sentinel article: In
his words: Rafael Giraldo's bike journey across the U.S.
=====
August
28, 2009
From the
Desk of Hans Meijer
Dear Friends
of Rafael Giraldo:
We have
received permission from the City of Weston and the Sheriff Department to
welcome Rafael Giraldo into Weston.
Rafael
will end his Tour of Discovery www.tourofdiscovery.com
on Sunday, August 30th at 1:00 p.m. in Weston, Florida. However, we
will be waiting for his arrival on State Road 84 behind Publix on Exit 22 at
12:15 p.m. St. Rd. 84 starts parallel with St. Rd. 27. In order
to get there you need to go:
1.
From I-75 North go
to Exit 23 and turn South on St. Rd. 27. After about a mile or so turn
left cross the median into St. Rd. 84 and we will wait there for his arrival
as he comes South on St. Rd. 27 from Clewiston early Sunday morning.
2.
From St. Rd. 27
North go to where St. Rd. 84 starts just on your right before you reach the
intersection to get on I-75.
3.
From I-75 South
(coming from Naples on Alligator Alley) after the toll booth exit South of
St. Rd. 27 and turn left into St. Rd. 84.
Suggest
you bring water and sun tan lotion. Also make as many welcome signs
for Rafael.
Once Rafael
reaches us on St. Rd. 84 he will be escorted by the Weston police and all
his friends and followers of the tour into Weston ending in the parking lot
of the Sun Trust Bank next to Publix on Exit 22 from I-75. We should
reach this final point around 1:00 pm.
Feel
free to contact me for further instructions.
Hans
Meijer,
hansmeijer@bellsouth.net
Cell
954-608-3139
=====
August
25, 2009
Media Release
On June 6,
2009 our Weston resident, and middle school teacher Rafael Giraldo started
an 80-day cross-country cycling trek called Tour of Discovery.
As an educator wishing to inspire and teach his students, he has used his
journey to convey a lesson in commitment and about the value of establishing
meaningful goals in life. With the use of GPS tracking technology, and in
combination with his web site, Mr. Giraldo has shared through digital
photography, videos, and his blog, the experience of his continental
crossing with students and the local, national, and international
communities.
Tour of
Discovery started
in San Francisco, CA and has taken this educator to Saint Augustine, FL
after crossing 11 states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas,
Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Mr.
Giraldo has faced many difficulties to accomplish his goal of teaching his
important lesson. He conquered the snow of Carson Pass in the Sierra Nevada
in California; surpassed more than 24 summits in Nevada, faced the desert
and its sandstorms in Utah, ascended to Monarch Pass at 11, 312 ft in
Colorado, and survived terrible storms in the Great Plains.
On Sunday,
August 30th Mr. Giraldo seeks to finish the last leg of his
journey as he rides back into our beloved city of Weston. Come join us as we
welcome him home. For information on this homecoming event feel free to
contact Mr. Hans Meijer at: 954-608-3139 or hansmeijer@bellsouth.net
***********
El 6 de Junio
del 2009 un residente de Weston, y profesor de escuela intermedia, Rafael
Giraldo comenzó una gira ciclista de 80 días cruzando de costa a costa
nuestro país. Como educador, el profesor Giraldo hizo uso de su gira
denominada Tour of Discovery para enseñar acerca de la
importancia del compromiso y de establecimiento de metas significativas en
la vida. Con la ayuda de tecnología de rastreo GPS y en combinación con su
pagina Web, el Sr. Giraldo ha compartido por medio de fotografía digital,
videos y sus escritos, su experiencia de este cruce continental con los
estudiantes y la comunidades local, nacional, e internacional.
Tour of
Discovery
comenzó en San Francisco, CA y ha llevado a este educador a San Agustín,
FL luego de cruzar 11 estados: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas,
Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, y Florida. El Sr.
Giraldo encontro muchas dificultades para lograr su objetivo y enseñar su
importante lección. Conquisto las nieves de Carson Pass en la Sierra Nevada
de California, sobrepaso más de 24 cimas en Nevada, confronto el desierto y
sus tormentas de arena en Utah, ascendio a Monarch Pass a 11,312 pies de
altura en Colorado, y sobrevivio terribles tormentas en los Grandes Llanos.
El Domingo,
30 de Agosto el Sr. Giraldo busca terminar su ultimo trayecto de su viaje al
llegar a nuestra bien amada ciudad de Weston. Acompáñenos a darle la
bienvenida a casa. Para información sobre este evento favor contactar al
Sr. Hans Meijer en el teléfono: 954-608-3139 o a hansmeijer@bellsouth.net
=====
August
21, 2009
Dear Reader:
When one has
been gone for too long from Florida, one forgets about the dangerous
afternoon summer thunder storms. Yesterday and today, I had the very best
roads ahead of me and substantial progress could have been made. But, when lighting
starts one does best to get off the road. Statistically speaking you have a
greater chance of getting struck by lighting in Florida, than winning the
lottery. This is no joke. As a result, today I was unable to go beyond
Chattahoochee even though I had all the energy and desire to ride to
Tallahassee. Tomorrow's weather looks better. Lets hope it holds.
The combined
efforts of Bruce the
Trikebldr
and Josh Beatty
from Atlantic
Bicycles
have come through to help me solve my shifter problem. In Tallahassee, I
will be meeting with Ed Deaton from
Fool da Crow, a trike mechanic who has agreed to give me a hand.
Catrike is shipping the needed parts to replace my defective shifter. I am
crossing my fingers for even though there are not too many climbs left on
this journey, a mild hill could prove impossible if one cannot shift.
Hopefully, everything on this front will be resolved, tomorrow.
I would like
to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the Tour of
Discovery. Your help in whatever capacity has been instrumental. On journeys
such as this one, every grain of sand counts. I could not have done this
without you. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the contributions of
the BROL
Readers .
You have not only supported me. You have educated this tenderfoot in so many
ways. For generous words of encouragement, your practical advice, and your
proactive actions, I thank you.
New photography
has been uploaded:
-
August
19 - Day 75 -
Montgomery, AL to Enterprise, AL
-
August
20 - Day 76 -
Enterprise, AL to Bonifay, FL
-
August
21 - Day 77 - Bonifay, FL to Chattahoochee, FL
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
August
20, 2009
Dear Reader:
Yesterday's
ride from Montgomery to Troy was perhaps the scariest of the entire journey.
Riding on US 231 was a nightmare to say the least. The shoulder was useless
for it had deep pocket rumble strips right in the middle. As a result, one
was forced to ride on the right lane. The traffic was aggressive and
impatient. Four times I was almost run over and forced completely off
the road. Three of the times this was due poor or negligent driving and once
it due to the malicious actions of a eighteen wheeler that saw in me someone
he could simply crush without consequence or remorse. Alabama is a beautiful
state and the people I have met have been wonderful. But, the dogs and some
drivers are a different story.
Upon my arrival
to Troy, I was able to change roads and took 167 to Enterprise. The volume
of traffic was substantially reduced and as such so was the intensity of the
ride.
Today, is an
important day for I am located only 26 miles from the Alabama-Florida
border. I should be crossing into my state in the morning hours. My intended
goal is to reach Marianna and tomorrow ride into Tallahassee. If you are following,
please say a prayer for the final stretch in anything one does is always the
trickiest. This is where one cannot loose focus.
When I had
gone through Pueblo, CO I had been interviewed by a keen reporter and
excellent writer. Yesterday, as I was searching the web I found the article
written by Patrick
Malone from the Pueblo
Chieftain. Take a
look. It is a nicely written piece.
New photography
has been uploaded:
-
August
17 - Day 73 -
Selma, AL
-
August
18 - Day 74 -
Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL
-
August
19 - Day 75 -
Montgomery, AL to Enterprise, AL
Check the new
route updates at Spot
Finder
Thank
you for your wonderful emails and generous comments in the forum. Your
continued support is helping me get back home.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
August
17, 2009, 2:50 p.m. update.
Dear Reader:
Last night I
managed to make the journey between Tuscaloosa and Selma. It was raining the
last few miles and my arrival was a stressful one for it took place right
after dark. Today, tropical storm Claudette has stranded me in town. Jim
Artis of Cycling Experiences
has written a very interesting and informative piece on the importance of
Selma and Montgomery. Be sure to read it.
New photography
has been uploaded:
-
August
15 - Day 71 -
Russellville, AL to Northport, AL
-
August
16 - Day 72 -
Northport, AL to Selma, AL
Check the new
route updates at Spot
Finder
Thank
you for your wonderful emails and generous comments in the forum. Your
continued support is helping me get back home.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
August
13, 2009, 10:30 p.m. update.
New videos
and photography have been uploaded:
-
Week
9 - Part
1 Videos 1 - 3 - Kansas and Missouri
-
Week
10 - Part
1 Videos 1 - 3 - Tennessee
& Mississippi
-
August
9 - Day 65 -
West Memphis, AR to Cordova, TN
-
August
10 & 11 - Days 65 & 66 -
Cordova, TN to Valparaiso, IN
-
August
12 - Day 68 -
Memphis, TN
-
August
13 - Day 69 -
Cordova, TN to Corinth, MS
Thank
you for your wonderful emails and generous comments in the forum. Your
continued support is helping me get back home.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
August
10, 2009, 11:50 p.m. update.
Dear Reader:
If you were
tracking me today you most certainly noticed a huge jump all the way from
Memphis, TN to Valparaiso, IN. The track takes you through areas of Kentucky,
Missouri, and Illinois. It is evident that I did not cycle this distance.
This would be humanly impossible. The reason for this enormous jump is that
today I traveled by car from Cordova, TN to Valparaiso, IN to make good on a
promise I had made. Since the first week of this Tour of Discovery, the
students of the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center in Valparaiso have
been tracking me, as I make my way from San Francisco to Florida. By continuously
visiting this site, and through the exceptional mentoring efforts of Mr.
Roger Chapel, these students have gained an increased appreciation for
their own country. From early on, important lines of communication were
established with Mr. Chapel and together we have worked for the benefit of
these youngsters. Through the proper use of technology and with the guidance
of Mr. Chapel these students have joined me in my journey, virtually, and in
spirit. Since this tour has at its core the objective of inspiring young
minds and teaching lessons in commitment, I found it important to seek the
opportunity to visit these students in person. Several weeks ago, I had
promised that if I were allowed to visit their facility I would do so after
my arrival to the Mississippi River. As a result, both today and tomorrow, I
will not be cycling. During these two days, my time, and attention belongs
to these young students. In the interim, Destiny, my trike, is currently
resting at my friend's house in Cordova, TN. There it patiently waits for my
return so we can continue our journey this Wednesday into the states of
Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
August
10, 2009
Dear Reader:
The
Mississippi River has been crossed! Check the new updates at Spot
Finder
Thank
you for your prayers, generous comments, financial support, and words of
encouragement.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
Dear Reader:
There are
many wonderful individuals I need to publicly acknowledge for their
exceptional contributions to this Tour of Discovery. Of the many persons I
need to mention, Bruce the Trikebldr truly stands out. Without his technical
expertise and mechanical maintenance work on Destiny, I would have already
encountered several setbacks, this week alone. In Cycling
Experiences you
will find his detail account of the days we spent together. If
you watch the video updates, make sure to meet Sierra. This is Bruce's
lovely American Eskimo.
New
videos and photography have been uploaded:
-
August
7 - Day 63 - Mammoth Spring AR to Jonesboro, AR
-
Week
8 - Part 2 Videos 10 - 18 - Kansas & Missouri
New updates
of Spot
Finder Summary
=====
August
6, 2009
Dear Reader:
Please accept
my sincere apologies for not being able to update my site during the past
three days. Getting reliable Internet connectivity has been quite a
challenge once I left the Transamerica Bike Trail and started riding south,
towards Memphis, TN. There are many stories I wish to share with you and
will be posting these once they are written. In the interim, you are
welcome to enjoy the photography for days: 59, 60, 61 and 62 of this Tour of
Discovery.
-
August
3 - Day 59 - Pittsburg, KS to Ash Grove,
MO
-
August
4 - Day 60 -
Ash Grove, MO to Marshfield, MO
-
August
5 - Day 61 -
Marshfield, MO to Twin Bridges, MO
-
August
6 - Day 62 - Twin Bridges, MO to Mammoth Spring AR
Thank
you for your prayers, generous comments, financial support, and words of
encouragement.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
August 2, 2009,
5:48 p.m. update.
New photography
has been uploaded:
-
August
1 - Day 57 -
Eureka, KS to Chanute, KS
-
August
2 - Day 58 -
Chanute, KS to Pittsburg, K
=====
July 31, 2009,
10:48 p.m. update.
New
videos and photography have been uploaded:
-
Week
8 - Part
2 Videos 10 - 14 - Kansas
-
July
30 - Day 55 - Nickerson, KS to Newton, KS
-
July
31 - Day 56 - Newton, KS to Eureka, KS
As always,
thank
you for your prayers, generous comments, financial support, and words of
encouragement. To complete this journey, all of these are needed.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
July 29, 2009
Dear Reader:
Progress
today was slow, difficult, and wet. I managed to do only about 58 miles. We
have our good days and our bad days. Today, it was a little bit of both.
About two hours into my ride it started to rain, nonstop. Though everything
got wet (except the electronics), I was fortunate in that there was no
lighting and while it rained there were very little head winds. But, as the
temperature drops and your body is continuously damp, you have increased possibilities
of getting sick. For this reason, I did not dare go past the town of
Nickerson. This reality was compounded by the fact that the skies started
getting even darker as I looked towards the horizon, on the
east.
On the flip
side, the day was good in that I managed to get excellent photography of an
eagle and two red crest woodpeckers. With all the water falling around me, I
did not expect I would be able to get much of anything. But, I got
lucky.
Before I
forget to tell you... I had an invigorating experience today. A nice little
jolt to liven things up. Today I had an important reminder of how critical
the acquisition of life experience can be. When destiny teaches us a lesson,
we must be attentive. For the next one in line, is typically more difficult,
and more tends to be at stake. It is important to learn the first time
around. Remember the farm
dogs in Colorado? Well, they have them here too, in Kansas. Two ferocious
canines... And, I really would like to EMPHASIS THE FEROCIOUS BIT, dashed
out of a farm ready to devour me. These dogs wanted flesh and blood. They
were scary looking. The devil's offspring. The ordeal in Colorado taught me
to keep my goggles ready. This time around, I had them on my forehead. So...
When I saw the two angry dogs coming at me, I used my left hand to slip the goggles
effortlessly over my eyes, I leaned forward, and grabbed the pepper spray
with my right hand. I then released the safety on the nozzle and fired at
the first dog. It halted immediately in whimpering agony. This time there
was no pepper spray for me, thank God. Oh goody! The second dog was very aggressive
and decided to run around the back and flank me on the left. He too
got a nice dose right in the face. Like the first dog, it too stopped dead
on its tracks as if a bat had hit him on the face. No glitches. This was
Swiss clock-work. The strategy worked flawlessly. It was only after I
had gained some distance when an adrenaline rush hit me. It made me
feel queasy and got me
thinking. So many things could have gone wrong. I could have dropped the
pepper spray. And then what? These animals would have torn me apart, that's
for sure. I really need a back-up plan, for I am sitting too low to the
ground. An attack can be easily directed right at my face. My body position
and the canopy work against me in case I need to defend myself. But, what
troubles me most is why the owners of these dogs put their pets at such
risk. Anybody in my position will certainly defend themselves, naturally.
And, if they are carrying
a gun, these dogs would be dead. This is animal cruelty. Dogs are by nature
territorial and will attack in the defense of their turf. Not to have them
behind a fence or on a lease is a tragedy waiting to happen. The dog gains nothing
or gets killed, the owner gains a huge liability, and the passerby can get
seriously hurt. Am I missing something here? What is the logic? This, is
simple arithmetic. It is beyond common sense that such a situation will only
create problems for everybody involved. Who would want a lawsuit originating
out of this? What is there to gain? Can somebody explain this to me? Please.
And it gets much better! Several
cyclist tell me that this problem is even worse in Missouri, Kentucky, and
West Virginia. I baffled and worried for I still have to cross Missouri and
part of Kentucky.
New
videos and photography have been uploaded:
-
Week
8 - Part
1 Videos 1 - 9 - Kansas
-
July
28 - Day 53 - Larned, KS to NIckerson, KS
As always,
thank
you for your prayers, generous comments, financial support, and words of
encouragement. To complete this journey, all of these are needed.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
July 28,
2009, 9:41 p.m. update.
New
videos and photography have been uploaded:
-
Week
8 - Part
1 Videos 1 - 5 - Kansas
-
July
27 - Day 52 - Leoti, KS to Ness City, KS
-
July
28 - Day 53 - Ness City, KS to Larned, KS
=====
July 26, 2009
Dear Reader:
I woke up
this morning and ran to the window. I needed to see. The weather
reports last night were not terribly bad nor terribly good. For today,
there was only a 30% chance for rain and thunderstorms. Not a high percentage
until you are caught in the middle one, like I was three days ago. Then, you
come to understand that it can be a measly 1% chance and you are still at
nature's mercy. All is good until you get hit and then you have nothing more
than your own regret for your foolish choice. It was 6:00 a.m. and the
skies were already dark. The sun barely penetrated through the thick gray
clouds. Not a day to ride, I thought. Not a day to take a chance. I have
been lucky so far and I am in Tornado Alley. Not a place to gamble. Taking
chances on the Great Plains is a loosing bet. This, now I know. The memories
of my ordeal seeking cover in a shallow ditch by the side of the road next
the the Union Pacific railroad tracks is still too fresh in my mind. If you
have yet to watched the video I took minutes prior to the storm, I suggest
you take a look for it will give you some idea of what it was that I faced,
that day. It is video # 7 on: -
Week
7 - Part
1 Videos 1- 11 - Colorado & Kansas
A scary experience. Worse than the dogs, the pepper spray, and the coyotes,
in Nevada. To ignore this lesson would be enormously negligent. So... even
though my progress yesterday was much less than what was desired, I will sit
it out today.
On the
positive side, I have come across more wonderful people. I am simply amazed
at the goodness I have come to experience from Middle America. On the Great
Plains everyone waves at you as you pass by. People take time to be polite
and say hello. Not one person has tried to run me off the road. As they
surpass my trike they make sure to keep a distance. All are curious and
smile when seeing my contraption. Destiny has a way of gaining people's
hearts. Everyone wants to get close, inspect, and ask questions. She has her
own personality, sleek, and loveable.
Today, during
breakfast I spent time speaking with Bruce Endorf, the owner of the
Hi-Plains Motel. A fine gentlemen, of the most pleasant disposition. No book
or other experience could have taught me in such a short time want I have
come to learn during this Tour of Discovery. America is so majestic
and so is the generosity of its people. Everyday individuals that though
their work and deeds make a silent difference. A huge difference. A
transforming difference. In my heart, I wish these were the ones the
media would highlight more. Sadly, in the present popular culture trends of
today we pay too much attention to the ones that have no legacy to leave,
that build nothing, that give nothing, and take all. It was not greed that
built this country. This is a misconception. It was love and the dedication
of good mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters that put America on the map.
It was self-reliance and pride in one's work that constructed this great
nation. So many times during this journey I have witnessed in amazement the
source of this awesome power. It is still thriving in the hearts of so many.
This morning, I enjoyed a most splendid conversation with Bruce on two of
his dedicated sons, Tyler and Mitchell. When it was time to pay for the
extra night, Bruce did exactly as Dave White from Bandera’s
Bunkhouse. He simply
refused payment. He too wanted to contribute to the effort of Tour of
Discovery and said the conversation alone was worth more than the price he
could charge. And, I was not even asking for a contribution. All the
initiative was his. All the credit is his. To thank him for his
generosity, a promised to send him a free copy of my book "Blessings
Given." How
interesting is it to know that during this journey this is exactly what I
have received, on countless ocasions, and in the most unexpected ways. For
my effort and my willingness to share with others my story, so many
blessings are coming this way. I am simply so honored and humbled to be part
of this wonderful American experience. I could not ask for more. With muscle
pains, cramps, sweat, cold, desert, mountains, coyotes, dogs, wind, and
rain, this all has been... Oh so great!
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
July 25,
2009, 10:43 p.m. update.
Dear Reader:
New
videos and photography have been uploaded:
-
Week
6 - Part 3 Videos 17 - 19 - Colorado
-
Week
7 - Part
1 Videos 1- 11 - Colorado & Kansas
-
July
25 - Day 50 - Tribune,
KS to Leoti, KS
=====
July 25,
2009, 6:43 p.m. update.
Dear Reader:
Last night I
was too tired to update my blog and since the Internet connection was excruciatingly
slow, I decided to wait until this morning. As a result, I got onto the road
late in the day. It was a big mistake, yet I did not know at the time. The
sun was out, the sky was blue, there were little to no clouds, it was not
hot, it was not cold, it was just right, and the road could not
be better. One would say it was truly a promising day. But, it was all an
illusion. The Great Plains had decided to teach me a second lesson.
Upon leaving
town, I started feeling the wind as it blew in relentless gusts to the west.
A constant and unbearable flow of air from the prairie would defeat me this
day. Since I had made exceptional progress in the last two days, by riding
82 to 90 miles each time, I thought I could do at least 70 miles today and
make it to Dighton, KS. But, the wind whispered in my ear and said, "I
heard you brag that the Great Plains would be easier. You said that once you
had gone past the desert and over the mountains it would all be smooth
sailing. Sorry my boy. I am king in Kansas and if I blow you stay." The
wind won, I lost. My progress was pathetic. I managed to cover a measly 22
miles to the town of Leoti. And, I spent the same amount of energy as if I
had covered 80 miles. What frustrated me most, was that I could see the
towns in the distance. But, each pedal forward was countered by a withering
wind that took me backwards. I could not do more than 4 to 5 miles an
hour and if I stopped, the wind would push me back. For me it was utter
misery. I dislike loosing hope a such a bright day.
In the end,
one always has to reflect and regain one's peace. So...
rather than fighting a lost battle I stopped earlier than usual, today. I
will spend my time uploading videos and photography. Tomorrow, will be
another day. Perhaps a better day. On the bright side, I will take days like
these anytime over the nightmare of the hailstorm I was caught in two days
ago. Read the section that follows to find out how bad it all was.
=====
July 25,
2009, 9:30 a.m. update.
Dear Reader:
I
left Pueblo, CO two days ago, after
saying goodbye to my dear friends Bob and Tryna Fredregill.
With the Great Plains the scenery changed and so did riding conditions.
Progress is easier provided there are no head winds and storms. I had all
the intentions of making it to Eads, CO which was over 100 miles away. But,
the Great Plains had different plans in store for me They thought it was
necessary to teach a lesson in modesty. This day, I would be
their only student. Their most terrified student.
A
few miles before arriving to Haswell, CO I got caught in a bad storm. The
skies to the north had been turning darker by the minute. Rain was falling
in the distance and the wind was deceptive as it made me think that it was
blowing away, when in fact it was coming towards me. A sudden gust of wind almost
blew the canopy right off Destiny. For about three or four minutes I was
holding on to my trike and all my gear to avoid it be taken from me. The intensity
of the wind grew by the second as I stood pondering about my very limited
alternatives. With little places to seek cover, I decided to get off the
road and into a ditch that separated the highway from the Union Pacific
railroad tracks. Though the ditch was only a few feet deep it gave me better
protection then the open road. Fearing being flipped over, I turned Destiny
to face the wind as one turns a boat to face and ride punishing waves, when
at sea. I had no time to reach for my waterproof jacket for the wind
intensified like a furious hurricane. In the distance, I could see gusts of
air flowing from the ground up to the sky and was terrified by the prospect
of this storm turning into a tornado. All I could grab was the blue plastic
poncho I had to used to cover my makeshift panniers when traveling through
Nevada and Utah. Realizing that my gear was relatively well tied down I sat
back on Destiny, my trike.
Then
it started. Pearl size hail was unloaded with terrible force. The poncho
became my flimsy shield offering minimal protection from the relentless icy
strikes. The endless stream of hailstones burned as they hit my body. But it
was my head that suffered most. As lightning struck all around me, I lifted
my feet off the ground and onto the trike hoping the tires would provide
enough electrical insulation. In fetal position, I held myself as the wind
started to shred my poncho apart. I was fearful of water getting into the
camera. If it got damaged it would be devastating to this Tour of Discovery.
To protect my cell phones and camera from irreparable water damage, I held
these between my legs and chest and prayed they would survive the ordeal. I
watched as water dripped onto the camera case and in aguish was unable
beyond praying to do anything more to protect it. I thought about my laptop
stored in the panniers. Would the waterproof bag I had it in be good enough
to block the water out? "Oh...my videos and my photography," I
thought. All could be lost and I could not do a thing. Surviving the
storm was all that mattered, now.
For
over twenty minutes I sat on my trike, completely exposed to nature's fury.
In my past, I have felt eternity as I have weathered many difficult moments.
All that matters when facing conditions such as these is to try to stay
calm, seeking only to survive, minute by minute. The hailstones stopped falling.
Then, the wind and rain lost their intensity as the storm moved away, on the
Great Plains. It was then I was able to put on my jacket to heat my weakened
body from the wet and the cold. I was shivering and decided to get an apple
to eat. Sugar I thought, would give me quick energy and would help me, in
gathering myself, from the experience. Soon it was calm. The wind and rain
were completely gone. Only a wet ground with blown over grass provided some
evidence that a storm had passed.
I
got Destiny back on the road and continued riding. Had the camera survived?
I was afraid to open it. If I turned it on it could short-circuit, if it were
wet inside. If this happened, I would be done for. I had to wait. And
then... The sun appeared creating the most spectacular rainbows around where
the storm had moved on to. These were too Godly, too beautiful to miss. The
camera seemed dry. Only the outer part of the case was wet. Through and act
of Providence I had survived along with the camera, the laptop, and all my
other gear. I breathed easier as I thanked God for his blessings.
Thank
you for your prayers and words of encouragement. This day, these really
help me through.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
P.S. New photography
has been uploaded:
-
July
23 - Day 48 - Pueblo, CO to Haswell, CO
-
July
24 - Day 49 - Haswell, CO to Tribune, KS
=====
July 22, 2009,
9:20 p.m. update.
Dear Reader:
In Colorado,
I have come to experience the generosity of strangers like never before in
my life. Bob Fredregill,
a fine gentlemen, pulled me out of a thunderstorm and along with his wife
Tryna offered me the hospitality of their home. Every stage of
this journey has been filled with fascinating discoveries of wonderful
Americans that make of this country a most splendid place. You are invited
to take a tour of their lovely restaurant: La
Renaissance
Today, I will
be using my time to prepare for the next phase of my journey and to catch-up
in editing videos and uploading these to the site. I need to take advantage
of the fast Internet connection that I have access to.
Sincerely,
Rafael Giraldo
P.S. New
videos and photography have been uploaded:
-
July
21 - Day 46 - Westcliffe, CO to Pueblo, CO
-
July
22 - Day 47 - Pueblo, CO
-
Week
6 -Part 2 Videos 9 - 16 - Colorado
New updates
of Spot
Finder Summary
As always,
thank
you for your prayers, generous comments, financial support, and words of
encouragement.
Sincere
regards,
Rafael
Giraldo
=====
July 20, 2009
Dear Reader:
Last night,
it took me forever to upload videos and photography. It was past midnight
and I did not get to finish. I really wanted to get the ballads sung by
"Saddle Strings," on the site. These will have to wait until I
reach Pueblo, CO. Please be patient. I am sure many of you will like them.
On the road, the Internet connections are not always ideal. One does what
one can.
I woke up not
completely recovered and a bit sluggish, today. What the mind and soul want
the body does not always give. For the very first time in this journey, it
was hard to get my body moving. I was running at less than half of my usual
energy level. And, to add to this, Murphy's Law was all over the
place. Upon arriving to Cotopaxi, I left Highway 50 and started cycling
uphill on CR 1A. This country road was nice as it had little traffic. But,
it has been poorly maintained. Potholes were all over the place making
progress very slow.
Then it
happened! Something I had known would eventual take place, unfolded. Two
large farm dogs went on the attack as I climbed around a hill. With no fence
or lease to restrain them, I was an easy target. I reached for the pepper
spray just in time, was able to aim, and fire, as the first dog came within
a few feet from me. Remember, Murphy and his lovely law... As soon as I
pressed the nozzle, a gust wind blew in my direction. How timely. Half the
spray hit the first dog and the other half hit me smack in the face. And, to
nicely aggravate matters... my mouth was opened. We both cried in absolute
agony. My eyes on fire, my throat choking, and my heart in complete fear as
I knew the second dog was further behind and was most likely untouched by
the spray.
The scene
that followed was a blend of tragedy and silly comedy. For the next two or
three hundred feet, I was pedaling like a madman and blind as a bat. I could
barely open my eyes as these burned intensely. Fortunately, no cars were on
the road. These would have turned me into instant road kill. Pedaling hard,
trying to get away, my heart was beating wanting to escape my chest. Blinded
by the spray, I was expecting a bite from the second canine to take place at
any moment. But. Nothing happened. As I could not see, I assumed the dog was
startled and became fearful having witnessed what happened to his companion.
I was able to escape. For several minutes, I pedaled away forcing my eyes to
open just enough to make sure I was still on the road. Upon reaching what I
considered was a safe distance, I sucked hard on the hose connected to my
CamelBak to gain a mouthful of water. I splashed it on my eyes and face. It
actually made matters worse as it distributed the chemicals all over my
face. Everything was burning now. I kept putting more and more water. The
pain intensified. This strategy was a spectacular failure. Keeping my eyes
closed was the only thing that gave me a minor reprieve from the agony of
the fiery pain. My mind was still terrified by the prospect of the dogs
coming after me. This is the problem when one launches a preemptive strike.
If it fails, there is the devil to pay. I got lucky and managed to
blindly distance myself from the danger. It took over half an hour for the
effects of the spray to subside. Only then, was I able to laugh as I
pictured in my mind how ridiculous I must have looked during this dangerous
ordeal. Next time... Put on goggles first, risk being bitten, and then fire
the pepper spray. In all honesty, there has to be a better way. But, I
cannot complain. I was not bitten, today.
Murphy did
not leave right away. I truly wanted to make it to Pueblo and finish the
forth and final section of the Western Express Bicycle Route. As the
afternoon came around, a storm started brewing right behind me. And, it
chased me until I made it to the town of Westcliffe, CO. Seeking protection
from the weather, it is from here that I write to you, this night.
Sincerely,
Rafael Giraldo
P.S. New
photography has been uploaded: Check it out at:
-
July
20 - Day 45 - Howard, CO to Westcliffe, CO
=====
July 19, 2009
Dear Reader:
Yesterday’s
climb to Monarch Pass was a pure delight. Splendid weather, a deep blue sky,
the purest of air, and a superb road were only the opening to what would
become a most memorable day. For the first time in this journey, I had the
pleasure and privilege of a riding companion. Dennis McKim, a fine
gentleman, and BROL member met with me at the base of the mountain. As we
climbed the 10 miles to the summit nature smiled upon us as it blessed our
ride with the finest of days. The transition from the status of strangers to
that of friends was seamlessly bridged. Through our rich dialog a
realization was soon revealed. We have much in common. We see eye-to-eye on
a wide range of topics.
Dennis, wrote
a superb account of our encounter, upon his return back home. I recommend
that you read it for it provides exquisite details of our ride. In Cycling
Experiences you will
find a copy of his great article along with some photography of his. The
original piece can also be found in the BROL
Forum.
Upon crossing
Monarch Pass at 11,312-ft above sea level I was also crossing the
Continental Divide. This is significant in that every drop of rain that
falls west of the Divide ends up in the Pacific Ocean and every drop falling
east of the Divide, flows down to the Gulf of Mexico. Monarch Pass marks a
turning point in my journey. I am a single summit away from reaching the
Great Plains. Past Pueblo, Colorado I have Kansas and Missouri before
encountering the mighty Mississippi.
