Day 106, October 20th
Well that's it. Our time on the Divide route has come to an end. There is snow forecast for the passes south of del Norte this weekend so we cannot go any further. We have enacted a plan B and are currently sitting in a U Haul truck half way to Denver where we will pick up a wee campervan for two weeks. We will take the two weeks to rest and recover from the past 4 months before we hop back on the bikes in Los Angeles. From there we will seek warmer climes to continue our trip.
Our original plan was to get as far south on the Divide as we could before turning east on our bikes to San Diego and the Baja Divide. Several things have made us reevaluate that plan. Firstly, with the small amounts of road riding we have done to date, we both agree that it's not for us and there would a fair amount of it if we were to ride west. Secondly, we are struggling to make the required distances between resupply points which is both tiring us out as we try to ride greater distances and provoking some anxiety at times. Thirdly, the cold mornings in the tent are just not enjoyable so we need a break from that. Finally, Gordon (and me) is in desperate need of a break and this seems like a really nice way to continue our adventures and take that much needed break.
Gordon is very keen to see the Grand Canyon and the wee camper will enable us to see that and a number of the other spectacular national parks between here and LA. Once in LA, we have some bikepacking routes in mind including parts of the Baja so will be back on the bikes soon.
I wasn't sure about continuing the blog while in the van but I have been told on good authority (thanks Sally Mains) that people are reading it and I should continue so I will.
Do we feel disappointed not to get to the end of the Divide? Not at all, we are so stoked to have made it this far and to have enjoyed (almost) every second of it. Gordon has pushed through every challenge and I am so proud of him. We couldn't have done it any differently and we feel immensely satisfied with what we have achieved to date with more to come!
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Yes - people do read your blog - so keep it up. Including a couple of riding mates of mine that don't know you and you don't know them but were so taken by your trip when I told them about it they follow it. As one mate (Jerry an American who lives in Tokyo) said to me - "I've read every one of Jill's posts, and I'm thoroughly enjoying their adventure. The link is embedded in my startup list of websites, so it's front and center whenever I'm on my laptop. "
Dear Jill and Gord
I got all emotional when i read "Day 106 Decision made"
And then I understood!
Your Blog has been a part of my life since i met you at Chain Lake BC, and fed you pizza!
I look forward to your blog and am always checking for new posts. It is the best part of my morning with my first cup of coffee! If there is not a new post, then i re-read some of the older ones!
I look forward to your Camper Van Adventures...or any adventures you two brave!
You have inspired me, and I am sure many others. You two have shown that there is no limit to what one can do if you put your mind to it!
We thank you for that!
Will & Shan
Fantastic journey you two, what an inspiration. Glad you are having a rest, and yes, agree with Sally, please keep your amazing blog going. I am living vicariously through you!
Hi Jill and Gordon,
Seems like you guys are having a blast.
Love the retro camper.
Keep safe and well
Miss ya