Day 42: Moab, UT to Green River, Utah

Saturday, July 10

So begins the first day of the third leg. A 5 a.m. wake up had us staggering around with forever shocking efficiency for such an indecently tired crew. As we cruised out a red dawn greeted us with what we thought was the promise of a sizzling day. Did I mention that we ate? No that’s because we cruised out of the church parking lot and headed for the diner. Yes the DINER! The pastor who had so kindly given of the church space had ALSO donated 25 breakfasts each to the riders own discretion, delicious I had buckwheat pancakes, hash browns and coffee. Does it get any better? Yes! Happy Birthday baby Kieran! The staff brought him an encore of ice cream in celebration! Needless to say no one felt like moving after the massive meal, but we hoisted ourselves up and formed a slightly bloated morning circle. After morning circle the usual herding cats/ making groups for the day ensued (a short one of 51 miles or so...and the elevation chart, a work of art (all down hill)) my group was team new jersey, as in new bike jerseys. Coincidentally many of the speed demons had new jerseys so we averaged a seamless 21 mph! Nice! Team New Jersey quickly came upon Green River and were wondering where it was until we reached the epicenter, just kidding there was no epicenter. Green River may I mention is the only town within a reasonable distance (100 miles) from Moab and ( ) aside from our other options, Solitude Utah and Desolate...Green river does sound a little more inviting although the surrounding landscape was doubtless no less stark than the afore mentioned.

Getting in early was fantastic and we were greeted by a selection of sandwich fixings, ants on a log and home made jelly! The coolest part is that it all was provided by folks our age! Every one was surprisingly wiped out by such a short day after a day off. The napping was brought to an abrupt end when we were summoned to a walking tour of town lead by one of the volunteers. The volunteer explained what was around in town, their aspirations for the town and the booms and busts of the past. After the walking tour the group was split and some of us were talked to rake up glass, batteries and the like and others were delegated to the consignment shop to sort and organize clothes, weeding was also a quintessential part of the days tasks. Giving back was a very cool thing to do but we were all exhausted by the end of the hour and a half. The daily showers were definitely what the doctor ordered. Once refreshed by the interestingly mineral laden water much of the team wondered into a super cool coffee house...the only one actually. Bedecked with a record player, native art, interesting furniture and an impressive book collection, not to mention marvelous coffee drinks etc.! Diner at 6:30 summoned us to our hosts where we scarfed down delicious burritos and then tried to fall asleep at 9 (sun still shining) in lue of the next mornings 4 am wake up.

That’s all for now.

- Amelia Lindbergh

PS Miss you Kristine!