Everyday Stuff

We've been trying to make it out whenever the weather permits lately, it usually will clear up for a few days and then start dumping again. We have managed to squeeze in some good serious rides, a few days ago we all climbed a six mile hill behind our place that drops into the Nestucca wilderness area, coming down Ryan clocked himself at 40 mph with the trail-a-bike and trailer behind him. A friend of ours that bikes up there often says whenever he gets to the bottom of that one he feels like there should be someone collecting money for the ride sitting there at the end, I knew exactly what he meant.  We make it into Sheridan and back every few days which altogether comes out to be a little over 30 miles. The children are doing great, Sam rides circles around everyone and Lilly plods along steadily in a very focused manner not gabbing and carrying on like the rest of them. Obby and Sam will verbally spar with each other in playful way the whole time, "You ride like my Grandma! Hurry up already!" "Come on, I'm  growing moss on me, can't you move that thing any faster?" on and on between each other. Obby could easily push me into town if I let him, when we work together we are really flying.  Ryan manages to pretty well stay ahead of everybody no problem even though he has had the trailer behind he and Abby on every ride.  Every time we go out I have to struggle with thoughts of just riding on without going back home,  most of the possessions  that make a place seem like a home are gone, we've all been sleeping on the floor for the past month and have pretty much whittled down our belongings to the bare necessities.  Two garage sales and several craigslistings have made quick work of getting rid of everything, including a 50's bus, an old Grumman aluminum bread truck, cargo trailers, tools, etc.  It feels good to be free from all these cares and burdens, seems like every time something sells, it loosens the mind and brings a small feeling of elation.    Most of the things we need for this trip are coming together nicely, a few things are still needed and since we decided on a route farther north than we at first thought, we are probably going to need a few more cold weather items and rain gear.  After several trips to R.E.I.s and bike shops all over Portland and parts of California we've managed to pick up most everything else. Hopefully we set off in the next week.    We had the most lovely send-off BBQ with all the folks here that we love so much, it was miraculously gorgeous and sunny and altogether dreamy. I will miss all these people immensely.  I have got to go before I start crying.