Goal Progress

From a prior post, let's review...

1. Establish a personal mission statement.
Well, I have a first draft (which I would love feedback on). Here it is...

Be yourself. Authenticity is bravery.

Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.

Engage in meaningful pursuits: attempt to find clarity, gain wisdom, do good, and/or elicit joy with your actions.

Develop and cultivate…

Kindness, for it can define our humanity.

Curiosity, for it expands humanity.

Love, for it makes humanity worthwhile.

Live with zest for the present and hope for the future. Be inspired.

Conquer negativity. The last of human freedoms is the ability to chose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances (Frankl). Know there is nothing good or bad, only thinking makes it so (Shakespeare).

Appreciate your life. The circumstances of existence are pretty glorious (Kerouac).

Treasure above all else the happiness and health of the people in my life. This includes family, friends, future patients and me.

2. Become better aware of the affordable housing issue.
This one is a mixed bag. I am much more aware of the operations of Habitat for Humanity, notably in how chapters operate in different communities across the nation. I have a greater sense of what the lives of people seeking affordable housing are like. However, this trip has had less activism and affordable housing education than I expected. I may be one of the most experienced community servants in the group, so I have been somewhat disappointed by the peer education. We've had a few intriguing discussions, but I find myself with more questions than answers. Should housing be a government responsibility? What caliber of housing do all people need (aka what other answers do we have other than home ownership)? Do you give funds to larger, thriving non-profits (more efficient use) or smaller, struggling ones (more instrumental)? Maybe having more questions means I am more aware.

3. Train my hands, developing my mechanical mind.
Decent progress, but not fantastic. I feel completely comfortable changing tires/tubes, adjusting or replacing brakes, and lubing the gears for general upkeep. I am decent at truing my tires, though I don't often notice when they need truing. I hope to ask Jake more about derailers for future shifting problems. Most importantly, when I look at my bike, I still don't feel like I have full mastery over all the parts. I think the fact that I have good fortune to have limited repair needs has prevented me from learning by necessity. This is definitely an area to focus on for my last 17 days on Bike and Build.

4. Read.
Definitely did and am doing this. I've read multiple books (seven I believe), countless local newspapers, several magazines (The Economist and New Yorker are quite engaging), and whatever I can get my hands on. Favorites have been Dharma Bums, Kite Runner, and Montana 1948. I need to read Better, a perspective from a surgeon's operating room, for Penn, and my goal of 8 will be complete! Excitingly, I have rekindled my passion for reading, so hopefully I can trade my occasional watching of rerun cartoons with this intellectually stimulating pastime.

5. Foster and deepen friendships.
Living with 31 people for two months in close quarters means you have to get to know each other. I've had ample opportunity to learn the stories of my fellow riders, as often it's the only thing to do! While we are warm and collegiate as a large group, I know at trip's conclusion that the vast majority of the relationships will fade away. There are several individuals, however, I hope to stay in contact with. Bryant, the mellow man who loves burritos, frisbee, and classical music, Jake, the NYC loving yet wilderness seeking photographer, Taylor, kindhearted master of textiles and fellow Dairy Queen afficionado, and Adam, the Southern man of faith who help others and does hip hop dances, immediately come to mind. Dane, Molly, Steph and Ruben are quickly joining this crew. As for keeping up with Penn friends, I could do better, but considering my medical school switch, I know I will be able to rekindle many of those flames soon enough.

6. Understand America better.
Definite success. Talking with fellow riders and locals from all across the country, I've learned about lifestyles, norms, dreams, expectations, and opinions. I've seen firsthand how transit of people can build and destroy towns, as railroads invigorated and automobiles dilapidated towns across the South. Differences in rural and urban attitudes have become clear, more vast than any North-South or East-West divide. Some terrain preconceptions were corrected (Alabama is oddly hilly, Arkansas feels like the Adirondacks) and others confirmed (Oklahoma and Texas are hot and flat). I've stayed in tiny communities, college towns, and bustling cities. The best description of my education is that if you say Mississippi, I no longer only think about terrible education statistics. I think of 23 year old Dustin, Ole Miss' campus, tornado warning sirens, Baptist church dichotomies, and beautiful plantations.

7. Chronicle this journey.
I am satisfied here. Decent photo count and more blog posts than most of my fellow riders. This trip will live on in more than just my mind.

8. Finish the ride!
Well, sort of. I will make it to the coast, but not to Santa Cruz. The estimated 3,400 miles is nothing to scoff at though. Circumstances intervened and I am 100% happy with my decision.

Overall, pretty good. I must spend these last 17 days learning more about my bike, deepening connections with closest friends on the trip, and savoring the experience. Medical school is less than a month away!

Into Aspen and Photos!

Past 24 hours in a series of verb phrases...

Arrive at Twin Lakes campsite, marvel at its beauty, swim in frigid glacial lake, finished Little History of the World (I'm mowing through these books!), slept in the van to keep warm, slept in van, gazed awestruck at stars, slept more...

Wake at 5 am, shiver, clothe self in layer upon layer of gear, bike to climb Independence Pass, pedal through tiredness, bellow Japhy victory cry from top, dance with trip mates, start 20 mile descent passing multiple cars, roll into Aspen...

Aspen is a completely different place than anywhere we've stayed so far. Average median house value is near 3 million dollars. Audis are everywhere. T shirts cost $35. It's wild. Roaming the city with Bryant, I couldn't help thinking how wonderful a city can make itself with such a massive tax base. Visitor information booths were everywhere, staffed with multiple helpful employees. Public transit, running on regular 20 minute loops, is completely free. Streams trickled alongside cobblestone sidewalks in the downtown and paved pedestrian paths were interwoven throughout the larger community. Bryant and I saw a full scale orchestra and operatic concert in a public music "tent" (think mini Millennium Park) FREE. And this is the off season! There is no question why so many people love to vacation here. With all this appeal for visitors, Bryant and I considered the resident realities. We went by one home where a man was standing on his porch as his cleaning lady waxed his already shiny Mercedes. I overheard two goth teens choosing the evening's plans, "well obviously I have the money for that, but we paraglided last week." Such white (90% demographic) wealth concentration would suffocate me in no time. Fortunately, I can stay a visitor and enjoy my carefree day off here. Plans for tomorrow (with my main man Bryant) include a shuttle to the "most breathtaking view in CO," ultimate frisbee in the main park, perusing their lone thrift store, and a 25 cent wing eating fest.

CO photos up to this moment can be found here. Enjoy them!

My Independence Pass success is dedicated to Loren my sister. I thought of my lovely soon-to-be-17 sister today as vocal soloists captivated the Aspen audience. She is unbelievably artistically talented, which I brag about to everyone. What I haven't boasted about as much is something I am only now starting to appreciate. She reaches out of her comfort zone with diligence and excitement. Though admittedly not a master builder, she joined me on the Habitat site, serving as a more consistent worker than many of my fellow riders. This summer she has taken on a major challenge, diving into a full time job in lab science without any prior experience. Pretty cool stuff. Anyways, thanks for being your awesome self and donating my shoes. Oh and the rainbow tights you gave me served as an excellent hat today.

Tomorrow I plan to do a blog post reflecting on my goal progress this trip...stay tuned.

More Colorado...

Greetings from Buena Vista, CO! This currently is my lunch break and I again have limited computer access, so will try to make the most of it...

Firstly, some dedications are in order. My ride out of Colorado Springs was devoted to my Aunt Susan. From letting me win the occasional basement hockey game to attending my undergraduate graduation, she has always been there to support me. Her generous, warm nature (and infectious laugh) makes her an absolute pleasure as a relative. I thank you for your donation and for being you. Speaking of yesterday's ride, it was a doozy. I served my final shift as sweep, meaning the manageable 74 mile ride became a 12 hour day on the road. Highlights include stopping at an arcade to hop in a 25 cent Batmobile ride, singing to and entertaining my partner Molly, and getting a haircut during our never-ending lunch break. Lowlights included moments of hail, climbing hills at a snail's pace, and the destination. Hartsel, CO was a tiny town without showers and with uranium enriched tap water. Tonight we are off to camp in Twin Lakes, CO before tackling Independence Pass up to Aspen. It should be a fun test (see here). The ride into CO is dedicated to my sister Loren. I will write more about her once I get to Aspen (when we have a day off on her birthday).

Before departing Colorado Springs, I had some more amazing experiences than previously recounted. I attended my first rodeo, watching everything from the traditional events (bull and bronco riding, calf roping) to the more peculiar ones (mutton bustin' where elementary aged children ride sheep and wild cow milking where teams chase down a wild cow to collect a bottle of its finest moo juice). Quite the scene. Exiting the venue, Sarah R. and I saw a mechanical bull apparatus. We immediately signed up and rode our hearts out. The surrounding people cheered my lengthy ride, yelling "Thata way cowboy" after my less than graceful dismount. Wondrous.

The next night, a van load of Bike and Builders ventured to gay bar Club Q to see their montly drag show. Needless to say, it was a ridiculous and fun adventure. I helped Claire fend off interested lesbians, chatted with Jessica about the impressive feats of pole dancing athleticism, and danced with the entire crew. I will not soon forget that evening.

Oh yeah, we did something during the day. Built a house. The build coordinators told us that after the contracted labor comes through, the home should be finished within the month, fully funded by our efforts. So exciting! When I have more time on this computer to load the numerous pictures I have of the construction, I believe you will share my pride in the accomplishment. Granted there was some initial disappointment over not handing the house over to a homeowner completely ready, but in light of conversations with some experienced Habitaters on our trip, I've mellowed. Anywho, pictures upcoming (estimated July 15).

I best continue my ride for the day. Wishing you all a happy July!

Colorado Springs

I know, I know, I have been totally slacking on the posts. Fortunately, it is for good reason...I have been doing so much here! Let's list...

Saw the entire Kole family!!!
Strolled the Garden of the Gods
Hiked to see two natural waterfalls
Took in views from the summit of Pikes Peak (14,100 feet)
Ate a sandwich called "the Brewmaster"
Conquered multiple Class IV rapids rafting with Dad
Played Skeeball like any Kole man would
Finished reading Kerouac's Dharma Bums (favorite quote: "Though the flesh may be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious.")

Oh and we've been building! Did the following construction activities...

Helped put up the frame
Put trusses atop the house
Inspired the group with a modified reenactment of the rousing speech from Independence Day
Worked on three layers of the roof
Insulate with sheathing
Installed three doors
Used four different types of saws
Hammered like crazy!

I am here until Sunday morning, when we hit the road again for Hartsel, CO. The time off the bike has been nice, allowing the group to relax and socialize. Care for an example? Doing laundry last night, our chore group bought some hard limeade a made washing clothes immensely amusing. Good times.

As my time on this communal computer is running low, I would like to express this: I would love to hear from you! I should be calling to get updates on your life, but sometimes I need help...Call and update me please! Don't worry, I am interested.

Early Colorado Photos

So apparently the Wild Ride post deserves some photos...look here and enjoy!

I would like to dedicate today's ride into Pueblo to the Crowley Family. Many years ago, when I (first) adored Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and played with Legos, I spent many an afternoon playing in the yard of these wonderful neighbors. More avid cyclists than I, they were quite supportive of my trek and I thank them enormously.

I've just spent afternoon relaxing in Pueblo's stellar library, exploring their Refugee museum and demolishing a Batman graphic novel. Oh and finished Nicholas Nickleby! Favorite quotes...

Nicholas, in light of his lost employment after defending abused school children: "What is a little poverty or suffering, to the disgrace of the basest and most inhuman cowardice! I tell you, if I had stood by, tamely and passively, I should have hated myself, and merited the contempt of every man in existence."

In light of the steep climbs to come after our Blitz Build in Colorado, I turn to Dickens: "It was a harder day's journey than yesterday's, for there were long and weary hills to climb; and in journeys, as in life, it is a great deal easier to go down hill than up. However, they kept on, with unabated perseverance, and the hill has not yet lifted its face to heaven that perseverance will not gain the summit of at last."

Photos You've All Been Waiting For

Click here for the photos of OK/TX/NM. Enjoy!

Wild Ride

Today's destination was Walsenberg, CO. Each rider was given a decision: take a 38 mile straight line on flat Interstate 25 or an 83 mile ride on the mountainous scenic byway named "The Highway of Legends." The choice was obvious.

Ten other riders and myself took the ambitious venture through the peaks of Southern Colorado, and it simply was a wild ride. The route started fairly easily, but massive mountains loomed in front of us. After a lunch stop at mile 35, things got interesting. We came upon the dazzling Monument Lake, a man made treasure at about 8000 feet. Savoring the sight was short lived, as dark thunderclouds rolled in. Our troupe dashed to our cycles, hoping to speed past the incoming storm. We failed. Torrents of rain were interrupted only by bursts of hail, soaking us to the skin in instants. Just as things were letting up, we entered into the steepest ascent of the day to a peak of 10000 feet. Lungs and legs burning, for a moment, I wished I had taken the easy route. Reaching the conclusion of the climb, my sentiments quickly reversed. I flew down 10 miles of downhill, weaving in and out of curvaceous roads at speeds of 30-40 mph. I even passed a car! Near the bottom of the downhill, I came upon a tiny village of wooden lodges named Cuchara, where I was fortunate enough to purchase Elk jerky. I quite like Elk! The last 15 miles of the highway gave beautiful views of rock formations and distant peaks. This roller coaster of a day likely will be the most memorable of all my rides this summer. But heck, that's what I thought about riding into Trinidad!

I have to run to dinner, but will upload photos of these last two beautiful days of biking as soon as possible. Happy Trails!