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Enter the Schwan

10/30/2013

8 Comments

 
As you may guess, Seth is the author here, the one responsible for the eloquently-written blog posts. He writes well and several people have commented as such. With my guest appearance, I can guarantee you a (sometimes brutally) honest change in perspective.

 We have a lot of time to think every day while riding our bikes. Sometimes we can at least talk to each other, but we are typically too far apart or separated by deafening winds, whether it's a head wind from dear Mother Nature, or caused by increased speed traveling downhill (our favorite), or created by the many cars and trucks passing us by. It was in the past few days that I started to think about a blog post from me. And when discussed with Seth, he confirmed my thought, "Schwan, that's a great idea!" So -- here I am.

Picture
An example of the distance between us as I wait for Seth's arrival at the top of a hill. Plus I wanted to capture the beautiful scenery behind him. If you look closely, you can see the road we had already traveled in the background.
My perspective on this trip is an interesting one. I am an able-bodied person riding a typical upright bike with no obvious musculature aiding in my propulsion (such as Seth's arms that gain many comments). I don't like to be the center of attention, but neither does Seth. Only, he has no choice here. Everyone we encounter goes straight to him. They either stare with no spoken words or say things like: "That looks comfortable!" or "You like that bike? I bet you'd get used to it." (Implying that he has a choice to use a handcycle). Or as the ferry workers in the Bay Area demanded several times, "Get up and walk, you can't ride that on here." They even said it with a smile, assuming we were joking as we informed them of Seth's inability to walk. One of my favorite comments was said to me after giving Seth a good stare-down, "Why you making him do all the work?!" I guess the guy didn't notice the trailer, wheelchair wheels attached to the trailer, 4 paniers and 2 sleeping pads that are hanging off my bike. Seth and I just laughed.

Picture
This is a top shot of my bike as we were all laughing about how much crap I had exposed. I was drying the towels that got wet in the fog overnight, was attempting to charge a battery pack with the solar charger, had a speaker out to get us through the boring farm land, as well as the usual rain jackets and our shirts as we shed layers in the sun.
I am curious to see how this perspective changes as we start to cross southern borders.  Simply said, Seth is a beast and deserves the attention and accolades. Of course people notice him. Good thing he's so chill and able to handle whatever comes his way, including the awkward questions and comments from strangers.

It's always an adventure when a McBride is involved. And to think we still have 11 months on this journey together...

Picture
Seth showing his goofy facial expressions, making us both laugh, no matter what (most of the time).
Picture
An awesome campsite in Big Sur, the southern-most region for Redwood Trees.
8 Comments
Ben Friberg
10/30/2013 06:59:16 pm

I'm impressed each and every day. I really wish we could come visit you guys on Route

Reply
Deacon Patrick link
10/30/2013 07:17:28 pm

Och! No need to diminish your perspective or what you write. You have a poetry of your own.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You are both in my prayers as you delve into the wild adventure.

I well understand the challenge of not having my dis-ability seen by others. Brain injury is invisible and often seen as psychological rather than damaged neurons. I could remember if I wanted to. I could handle noise, flickering lights, scent of soap -- if I wanted to.

Treasure your capacity to handle the "car winds," the noise, the scents. Over the past two years I've tried a variety of bikepacking tours and had most of them end with my brain overloaded because of a loud motorcycle, gun shot (hunting season), or diesel fumes. Even so, I had the wondrous gift of the ride there through amazing country, and I learned what my capacity is and where I can tour (remotely!).

May God startle you with joy as you travel with wild abandon!

Patrick

Reply
Roxanne
10/30/2013 11:16:48 pm

Seth and Kelly are very inspiration, fun, adventurous, brave, courageous , and that is just the beginning, they are athletically HIGH CALIBER, and just love to read on and on about their journey.

Reply
Judge
10/30/2013 11:50:51 pm

Barely made it through Zonals while you are joy-ride romping through the West!

Reply
quad racer
10/31/2013 04:24:54 am

I will say, as a hard core STUBBORN quad handcycle guy, my AB wife is my rock. Its not easy loving us sometimes!! YOU ROCK KELLY.

Reply
Sarah Gross
10/31/2013 10:28:03 am

Kelly & Seth...I think you are simply amazing! Love & prayers for a safe journey and an accomplished mission!

Reply
Judy Holloway
11/4/2013 05:44:46 am

Hi Kelly,
My husband,Tom, was in TRACU from April 4-17. He's the guy with the phantom arms. We also made a card with our son hanging from a sling to thank all of you PT/OT people while we were there before going to RIO. Tom is now in OT with Amanda. I'd like to send you a private email regarding a place to stay south of Mulege Baja Sur.

Hope to hear from you.....and best of luck to you and Seth on your adventure.

Judy Holloway

Reply
www.godaddynatalia.co link
3/2/2014 01:32:06 pm

I have to say I am very impressed with the way you efficiently website and your posts are so informative.

Reply



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