Day 26: What can go wrong in a truck?

July 1, 2022 in (almost) Cassoday, Kansas

Today’s wakeup was much easier than the days before. What I’ve learned from this is that as much as I am tempted to grab a side room to sleep in, it’s much easier to get up surrounded by people who are also getting up.

My day in the truck honestly went just about as poorly as humanly possible. Except, of course, for the donuts and coffee we got right away.

First, one of the riders decided they weren’t feeling up to trying the route, and the only place for them to sit was in the jump seat between Corbett and I.

This would have been manageable if we were just driving to the host to drop our teammate off as usual, but about 20 miles into the route we came across a bridge that had been completely ruined.

We looked around the banks of the river it crossed, but there really wasn’t a safe way to get across. Eventually, we decided we’d have to unload everything on the side of the road and shuttle people a back way that was much longer.

We had two trips of ride groups, but between the coolers, bags, bikes, and humans, there was no room for me in the car. I waited with the other bags and coolers for about 2 hours, and then the three of us stuffed ourselves into the front seat.

Around this time, we learned that our host for the night had fallen through, so we needed to find a back-up solution or camp in the 100 degree heat.

We did eventually come across a grill and deli called Lizard Lips (amazing name) and we were able to secure a host. And, of course, we made friends with another dog.

This afternoon, after everyone made it to the host, we learned that one of our leaders had tested positive for Covid. Luckily, Bike and Build released a new policy that states that the only time the entire team needs to quarantine is if 1/3 or more of the team is sick.

That means we will move forward as expected, at least for the time being. I’m trying not to focus on the possibility of being stuck somewhere again.

I’m not sure yet how many miles we will be riding tomorrow, as we had to change our host site for tonight. I’m hoping it’s still on the low end, just because it is so, so hot here.

There’s rain in the forecast for tomorrow morning, so I hope that’ll make for a smoother, cooler ride!

We’re planning to have baked potato leftovers for dinner and play a game afterwards! I’m also hoping to get to bed early because I am exhausted!