Day 8. Finding balance.

Three passes today, and three crossings of the continental divide. We were lucky with the weather and felt like we could have kept riding for a while longer. Kim even had some energy left over at the top of the last pass.

We made it to Helena in time to get our bikes fixed. This was important because tomorrow is July 4 and the bike shops here and in Butte are closed...and it is a long ride after that for good bike service. Fortunately, the Big Sky Cycling shop was willing to service our bikes on the spot. We are not even a quarter of the way through the journey and the list of repairs is shocking.

On my bike alone: broken front shifter (new, 10 speed ultegra) and deraileur, broken chain (new, sram 10 speed), damaged cables/housing both brakes and a broken pedal (almost new, crank bros candy 3). I'm not used to needing things fixed so quickly, so I can't help but think that 'they just don't make things like they used to'. Scratch that, it makes me feel old to say that.

Kim's brand new fargo has a crank that has come off several times and a rear skewer that doesn't want to stay closed. Anders was in need of some tuning also (it was satisfying to watch as his bike was fixed by the girl at the bike shop). We are looking forward to some smoother rolling on the miles ahead.

We needed the time at the shop; however, we probably could have kept rolling after things were done. But we didn't. it feels strange to stop cycling so early in the day when the weather is good. I know that we are having fun precisely because we are choosing to ride at this pace. On the other hand, I have an undeniable urge to cover more distance. Apart from the first day (through the rain and snow), I don't think that any of us have pushed beyond the point of enjoyment.

At some point, I think it will be good to throw a few mega-days in, so that we make sure that we don't take these fun days for granted. You can't appreciate balance unless you know what imbalance is like.
Sent using a Blackberry that I'd better not lose.