August 30th, 2014
About the Cycling
Amanda writes:Today was my last day of riding before arriving in Whitehorse. I knew that I had less mileage to ride than I had been riding in the previous days. I tried to take the time to take more photos and enjoy the views.
Today’s Highlights
Andrew writes:I had a really good time Friday with Megan and Paul, and their families, celebrating Megan’s birthday. There was fresh salmon and crab, and really wonderful talks with everyone. I wish Amanda had been there, and I miss her a lot.
Amanda writes:After six days of riding and playing out unlikely scenarios in my head in light of the situation at hand, I was exhausted emotionally and physically. Even with this exhaustion it was so wonderful to be in the arms of Andrew. After arriving at the airport he hopped in a vehicle with his Aunt and they drove out to find me on the highway with a cookie and coffee.
Today’s Lowlights
Amanda writes:Even though I know that Andrew and I will be fine, somehow I was a bit tentative seeing him. It rained which seemed fitting for the end of the weeks riding and somehow knowing I could have a warm shower upon my arrival made it seem okay.
What’s happening…
Amanda writes: I didn’t rush to get up this morning and instead slept in until 8:00. I had a nice chat with Walter and Pat and saw them off. Then I sat enjoying the view at the campsite eating some of my massive cinnamon bun. After climbing out of the campground I was back on the highway. The riding wasn’t too hard. Mostly up hill but again only 2-4% grade so very manageable. As I got closer to Whitehorse I came across the turnoff for the hot springs that I really wanted to go to and they had a gas station. I took a moment to wash my face and get a cup of coffee. I turned on my cell phone and actually got reception! The first time in a week. I called Andrew’s Aunt and confirmed they had arrived and told them I was about 18K out of town and would see them shortly. The ride into town was mostly downhill which was a very pleasant surprise. I came across the fork in the road where you decide to go to Alaska or to Whitehorse. I wonder if we’ll head for Alaska?
As I rode into town Andrew and his Aunt met me on the road in vehicles and offered me a ride. Such a sweet gesture although I was determined to finish the ride. I loved Andrew driving a bit ahead of me and taking pictures and being so supportive. I cleaned up and we chatted for hours. It was so nice to air some of the feelings of the last week. He was very patient with my six days of questions I had built up. I’m so glad to have him back. This is what we’re meant to be doing. Cycling the world together.
Andrew writes:Something that Megan’s mom Marylou said made me think, namely that while cycling every day starved my body of the minerals and nutrients I needed (I lost 7lbs), I think I was also starving for social connections. I’ve spent a good part of my life chatting, e-mailing and interacting with people online, and definitely having limited to access to internet was in a way starving me of this. To try and counter this, Amanda and I have talked about how we can deepen our own intimacy so that I share more with her, and less with others. She has mentioned a few times that often she didn’t know about how I was feeling after a days ride, until she read about it online a few days later, in our own blog. This will change, and so we will both make sure to check-in with one another, and also make sure that we take time together after each days ride.
When we finally saw one another in Whitehorse, there was an immediate re-connection, on many levels, and I know that we’ve made the right decision, and that we’ll take the right steps, and communicate with one another along the way to ensure not only a successful ride around the world, but also a strong, healthy relationship that can overcome whatever life throws at us.