Today the team rode 47 miles from Eureka to Humboldt Redwoods state park located in California. We have ridden through several Redwood state parks while in California and I believe this is our third. Each one is unique and absolutely beautiful to ride through. The air is so crisp and fresh with the trees creating the perfect shade canopy to ride through. It has been a real treat and a great change of scenery! The day started out very cool and eventually warmed up as we moved further from the coast. The difference in climate in one days time has surprised the team, California is a much more diverse state then others we have seen. We continued to ride on highway 101 for a little while and we have been pleasantly surprised at the drivers not being as aggressive. Also, today in the forest my group stopped at a fruit stand where a very kind women gave us free blackberry popsicles, they were delicious and refreshing. Several other groups also stopped at a few gift shops along the way. We really enjoyed the short distance and wonderful scenery that accompanied this route!
Today the ride was dedicated to Lauren’s uncle, Gary who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 2 years ago.
~Tailwinds~
Mandy
Flat count: 0
Song of the day: Budapest
Memorable moment: roasting s’mores by the campfire and witnessing Eric try his first s’more.
Rider Spotlight: Ryan Watkins
What’s been the best part of I4k so far?
The best part has been seeing the mountains in Colorado. Biking the mountains was also very cool.
What do you think of when you pull through headwinds at 18 mph?
I like to think of a song, generally the last one I heard. When I have a beat I can crack out any speed I need to.
Where do you get your sense of humor from?
I would say it’s mostly self generated. I listen to a lot of stand up comedy.
Favorite rest stop snack?:
Berry protein bars
What is your go to pick up line seeing as though you are the ladies man?
I don’t have any but I really like the Tennessee one. The one about the 10 I see
What’s your dream place to live?
Somewhere that is medium density population and it’s got a nice wholesome atmosphere and I’m friends with all my neighbors. Washington or Oregon could be good
What place are you most looking forward to on the ride or liked the most?
I liked Utah the most, in particular the day going into Provo.
What has been your favorite day on I4K so far?
Day 15: Going into Richmond on the first century day. It was a good group and we got through the day fast. It melted away like butter.
Team Knife or spoon?
Team knife for peanut butter and spoon for jelly
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Regeneration or healing. I like Wolverine and he’s got that so it’s pretty cool. Healing seems pretty usefully. I also just like claws…
What’s been the most challenging part of the ride?
The most challenging part of the ride was riding Berthoud pass while also having a sprained back.
New edition to a crayon box what would you be?
Strong and Shallow purple: I don’t think that this shade of purple has gotten enough attention. In the rainbow the v in Roygbv doesn’t get enough love. Let’s put the v back in Roygbv
What will you miss most about I4K?
I will miss most being able to wake up each morning knowing I’m doing something with a purpose. I think it will be tough to find that when I go home.
Rider Spotlight: Lauren Sargent
What’s been the best part of I4k so far?
Going to the Waffle House two days in a row
Why do you prefer headwinds over climbing?
I don’t think it’s fun to climb, I would much rather have headwinds.
You’ve already been a world traveler, how does this trip compare?
I’ve been to many places we have bikes through but we are going slower and taking our time to see some small places
What’s one thing that’s happened on the ride that you think has changed you?
I enjoyed the portrait on day 5, we met a man in the park that was so full of life and optimism. It was a good reminder of why we ride.
Favorite rest stop snack?:
Welch’s fruit snacks
What do you do when you are struggling on the bike?
I don’t think about anything
What’s your dream place to live?
I want to live on a farm that isn’t in the middle of nowhere that is also in close access to an international airport
What place are you most looking forward to on the ride or liked the most?
I liked Steamboat Springs the most. I’ve been there on family vacations and I watched ski jumping for four hours
What has been your favorite day on I4K so far?
I liked day 9 because we slowed down and didn’t care about getting anywhere. We got lost but we ended up getting apple cider slushies. We ended up getting cheeseburgers and root beer floats.
Team Knife or spoon?
Team knife for peanut butter and spoon for jelly
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Teleportation or time travel
What’s been the most challenging part of the ride?
The most challenging part of the ride is riding every single day
When you think of the Waffle House what is one word that comes to mind?
Waffles
New edition to a crayon box what would you be?
Powerful black: because Lauren is not creative and powerful is the adjective for Lauren on the team.
What will you miss most about I4K?
Having the freedom because we can be anywhere and do anything