For those of you who have seen There Will Be Blood, I'm pretty sure that same freaky preacher kid preaches at this church in Gene Autry, Oklahoma. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, I'm pretty sure that some freaky preacher kid preaches at this church in Gene Autry, Oklahoma. If not, then that's a shame.
This is a photo I took just before the hurricane sent me scrambling to the nearest abandoned Stratford peach stand while Greek gods hurled lightning at me for the greater part of the morning. While sheltering, I had a bizarre conversation with a drenched garbage man, who spoke in some garbled dialect, unintelligible to myself. I spend 10 minutes nodding my head as he continued to ask me questions, none of which I understood. Eventually he smiled and hopped back in his truck, supposedly satisfied with the information I had given him.
For those too cynical or jaded to believe in miracles anymore, I have just the thing for you. Go get yourself straightway to the Murray Co. Antique Tractor & Implement Assoc., because by god, that's "a place where miracles happen." I wish I would have had time to actually clarify what kind of miracles the Association lays claim to. The thought of a 1948 John Deer Tractor curing cancer just makes me aglow inside.
I took this photo just outside of Waleetka, Oklahoma. I realize that not nearly enough time has passed since the horrific events surrounding this little town, so I'll reserve any comments about local law enforcement for a later date. Until then, yes, that's a 15 foot tall police cruiser.
Forgive me for continuing to hurl jokes at rural religion, but if they insist on erecting "Endtime Revival Tabernacle" signs in front of corrugated metal buildings decorated with late-70's hubcaps, then it's out of my hands. At that point, better it come from someone with my sensitivity.
Communists?! On a bike ride?! I'm stunned. I can't believe I actually got to ride the OK Freewheel with Vladamir Putin. That dude can climb hills like nobody's biddness.
And there you have it. While some uber-athletes decided to conquer each day's ride with electrifying speed, I made the zen-like decision to patiently experience each of the hamlets along my path. While debilitating knee pain may have played a small part in my average speed of 4 mph, I prefer to think a thirst for a glimpse into the soul of America was my true guiding light.
Until next year ...
6 comments:
Excellent commentary, my friend!
So, about how far did you ride each day?
Other than the communist, any other interesting traveling companions? Or was this more of a "solitary fellow amongst a crowd" experience for you? (That's how it probably would have been for me...)
It averaged around 60 miles a day. My other favorite cyclist, after the communist, was the lady with the dog trailer (yorkie).
I was definitely the "solitary fellow," which was enjoyable for a couple days, then I got tired of looking over my shoulder at my imaginary friend and saying, "wow, did you see that?!" After a while, loneliness definitely becomes a factor.
Justin,
I am putting together one amazing ride next year along with me friends. We really look forward to you joining us. The Kabul Kruise(like the play on words) will begin north near the beautiful Turkmenistan border and follow a Southwest route ending along the Pakistan border. Pending any major war or flooding it should be a beautiful ride. A great party is planned in the Kandahar area following. Please do consider. Salam Alaikum.
Dear Afghani Opium Farmer,
Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatu Allah. What an offer?! At this time, my lovely wife and I are planning on riding the Katy Trail in Mizzou next year, but holy hand-grenades, the Kabul Kruise may force us to reconsider.
Please do encourage her to come. Surely she will get along with one of my brides. Do you have just one?
Dearest Afghani Opium Farmer,
I realize that hyperspace has probably reinforced the illusion that I have the impressive social skills, charm, and good looks that would necessitate multiple wives, but in reality I have been extremely fortunate to 'land' one beautiful, charming, legally blind wife.
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