Arlette Rides

[arletterides]

I signed up to do something ridiculous, and in order to do it, I have to raise what feels like a ridiculous amount of money in a ridiculously short amount of time. 

It’s also something ridiculously meaningful to me: I’m living proof that you don’t have to wait until you feel competent before you try something new. From my GoFundMe donation page:

Why I'm doing this Yes, it's a hell of an adventure and maybe an elaborate excuse to try to pet an Andean condor, but this is also a cause that matters. I believe in national parks and their mission — I keep my American the Beautiful annual pass in my wallet next to my driver's license, where I can see it every day. But the stewardship of these kinds of places doesn't only take passion; it takes working, reliable gear. I'm also doing this because ... well, because I'm not the kind of experienced, dirt-savvy rider who does this kind of thing all the time. The world needs more examples of people falling over on their way to excellence. If there's one thing I can offer the world, it's a whole lot of falling over.

[arletterides]

Rest stop in Boron, Calif.

Destination: Las Vegas for the Nevada Nuclear Test Site tour.

Helllllla windy on Highway 58 this weekend: after a day in desert winds, the area between my shoulders felt like a basket of angry snakes and the dual dose of tennis elbow that’s been showing up lately was screaming. But it was pretty cool how far I’ve come in just a few months; instead of wrestling with the handlebars like I used to, I dipped a grip into the wind to soak up sudden gusts and and enjoyed sailing all over the lane. The KLR is kind of a top-heavy kite; why fight it?

Dodging huge tumbleweeds in the rain as I plodded back up I-5 at ten miles below the speed limit because of the crazy crosswinds, though: that definitely sucked. And realizing I’d left my rain pants at home, and that my waterproof boots were now just plain old boots, was the icing on the cold, soggy cake. I almost wiped out three times getting out of my soaked gear because the cat, all happy to see me, kept winding between my feet and yelling hello as I tried to climb out of my soaked gear. I finally had to bolt for the bathroom with my riding pants hanging off one leg and dragging behind me when he wasn't looking so I could close the door on him and peel my gear off in peace.

Still fun, though.