Chapter 19

Chapter 19

 

Saturday September 20th 2008

 

Gold Beach to Crescent City 57 miles

 

There are days when a man dares to love what he has achieved.

Well today was for my lovely boys and girl!

My Luke, my Alex, my Samuel, my Sebastian and of course my Emily. (Freddie hasn’t arrived yet).

I have been instilling into all my grandchildren especially Alex for so long now. That their grandad, is a GENIUS. And after today they should really know he is telling the truth. Cause their Grandad knows for sure. I am so proud of myself today I don’t mind who knows it. 

After the knee pain yesterday I had dark thoughts last night of maybe having to abandon. But I brushed them aside and had an early coffee and a muffin and hit the road at 8am full of confidence and feeling good. 

But that first climb soon showed me I was still in difficulty as the pain came back, worse than yesterday. It slowed me to walking pace on even the slightest hill. I was trying to save it by making the right leg do the work. But that didn’t last long. 

Then a brainwave. I unclipped my left foot and saw that it was toeing out a bit in order to save the knee so I took the shoe off and made an adjustment to the cleat so my foot toed out when it was clipped in and headed off again. After about half hour the pain eased and I was cruising again. Even over the climbs.

By the time I got to Brooking 30 miles down and with the California border just 6 miles away. I was cooking!

I got a 12ins subway and a 16oz black coffee, A litre of Gaterade and I said Crescent City and California here I come. 

 

 

Crossing into California was as good a feeling as I have had in long time. Knee pain was gone and I was feeling so good arriving into Northern California. I asked a construction worker to take my picture, savoured the moment for a while and headed off. Twenty miles to go. Tired but elated. Whooping and hollering down the road it flattened out and I put Loretta into top gear. I was feeling energised and strong and did the 20 miles in one and a half hours..... I was flying! I could  just about do that at home on my road bike which weighs nothing... Magic!!

 

 

 

 

Into Crescent City Pop.8500 and a CITY! Looking at the mountain ahead. I shouted 'you are mine'.

The biggest climb of the whole trip looms first thing in the morning. Rises 1200ft in 3 miles. Bring it on.... 

 

 

Kids! that’s why, YOUR Grandad really is A Genius!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

Eileen said: Hey, Grandad, you are a genius! Not only intrepid adventurer, but faith healer as well. Don't let that big city lead you astray. Keep the faith but watch the knee. By the way what is 'Gatorade'?

 

Suazz said: What about your actual children then auld lad? sounds good but do take it easy please, we would like to see you back in one piece you know. Enjoy California, it’s a crazy place x

 

Mary said: Hi John, you’re just doing great but be careful with your knee. I am sure your grandchildren will be proud of you. California looks nice - lovely views

 

Julie said: It’s not only your Grandchildren who think you are a genius, but your niece thinks you are too! You have had a tough couple of days and great to hear today was a "guddin"! Good Luck and strap that knee up! x x

 

And (Genius) John replied: Eileen. Gaterade... is an isotonic drink. Makes me fly.. bit like red wine!! 

Hi Sus. I didn’t forget you. Thanks for the support. I love you xx 

Hi Mary. Love you too. Nice to know you’re watching. 

Hi Jules… Good to hear you. You always knew I was a genius.

 

 

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