More Cross Country

“What the map didn’t show was elevation. What we rode was 18mi of the hilliest, steepest, most energy draining road we’ve seen. In the late afternoon heat, we faced hills so steep we had to drop down to our granny gears, which we haven’t used since the early days of our trip when our legs were unaccustomed to pedaling uphill. We crept up each hill, head dangling between our arms, sweat pouring off our faces, arms and legs, showering the road under us. Our mouths dripped a mixture of sweat and spit as our lungs heaved taking in massive amounts of air trying desperately to supply our aching muscles with the oxygen they craved.” -EL Toro