Day 4, January 8, 2002
JEFF'S
UPDATE
Today was amazing for multiple reasons.
Physically it was very challenging as we had the cumulative affects of the previous 3 days combined, with a very difficult climbing day of over 8,000 vertical feet climbed, and unreal headwinds for 60 of the 102 miles [I thought the winds were suppose to go West to East!!]. We are also both overcharged on our systems and as such are having a great deal of difficulty falling asleep.
Mentally and spiritually, it is amazing to see how Kevin and I are collectively tackling the ride and overcoming personal fears, doubts, and obstacles. I have learned much about myself and about the value of working through the low spots in the pursuit of one's goals. For us, achieving our daily goals and the feeling we get from that has more than made up for any pain during the day.
We talked a lot about the people we are riding for. For John Curtis the father of a good friend of mine who unfortunately passed away from cancer late last year. We thought about you often as we rode past each Cactus as this was his nickname. For Stephen Cameron our thoughts were with you in the hopes of a speedy recovery.
Looking forward we have our biggest two days of the entire trip as we tackle the Continental Divide and some very steep climbing. Tomorrow we are starting at 7:00 am and hope to finish by sunset. Our energy and strength will come from all of you who we are riding for and those of you who have called and emailed us your support.
As I close I want to say goodnight and my love to Brooklyn, Skylar, and Diane. I love you more each day! Jeff
KEVIN'S UPDATE
We miss Hamish!!
102 mile ride with some very tough hill climbing as we were riding through beautiful Arizona back country and vistas. Jeff and I were chatting and talking about the two people we rode for today; Stephen Cameron and John Curtis.
The air was so charged with positive energy and peace. Specific to Stephen who is currently battling cancer, in the powerful wide open landscapes we were sending that positive energy to him and wish for a speedy recovery. I think you have a lot in common with those mountains. When you do get finished with your treatments, you will stand taller like those mountains. There was one mountain we were riding past for over an hour that was so large it created a power presence that we hope represents you.
Physically I am having some muscle "burn" issues but everything is going great. The first 8 days will be the hardest and we already are half way through. [ps anyone have any suggestions for hemorroids?]
Miss and love you Rose, Jonathan and Andrew. Alison I hope you are loging on and following our ride.
Hang in there Stephen. Kevin