My Encounter with 26 Super Heros

Oh man, am I sore today! Yesterday I took Emily and eleven other cyclists on the quintessential hike up to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. This trail gains around 3,000 ft in 5 miles, with the last mile a thigh-burning 800-ft rock scramble. Even though these kids claim that they were using "different muscles" than cycling, they still took it at an impressive pace; like jogging down the last 3.5 miles in 45 minutes. I kept up well enough, but going down stairs today takes a bit more time than usual.

Basically, these kids are amazing. Imagine 26 of the most energetic, enthusiastic, adventurous friends on 9 week trip that's a mix between summer camp, a high school sports team, and a service project. Perhaps I caught them on a good day (it was their day off after all), but it community and laughter that I witnessed was unbelievable and infectious. As we were knocking back beer and sharing our most embarrassing stories, relaxing on the dock while the sun set...as I marveled at the amount of food they consumed after our hike (16 oz burgers, plus fries, plus onion rings, plus a fudge milk shake)...as I laughed until my cheeks hurt from smiling, I thought, wow, I'd love to do this. But then I realized that the attraction was not for the biking aspect of the trip (obviously), but for the camaraderie. Hmmm, I wonder if I can plan something of this cross-country magnitude for my art friends... "Paint America: Coming to a town near you!"

Best wishes Habitat Bike Challenge! Thanks for the fun.