booooooonville

What happens after riding 240 miles of mountains and hills in 4 days, and about 400 since trip start? Well, I suppose it's no different than any other day, with the exception of growing weariness, festering germs, and increased insanity.

That said, we've gone from being engrossed in watching Capote to barely being able to stay awake for Babe; from being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 5:30 in the morning, to making sure the overwhelming load of mucous clogging our nasal passages doesn't hit the rider behind us; and from playing summer camp-esque organized activities like the Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa game, to playing "pretend invalid", in which one person (typically male) assumes the role of a sassy and potentially blind southern nurse, wheeling one of the trip casualties into tables and walls, feeding him ice cream through his nose, and soda from the bottle about three inches from his mouth.

But it's all in the name of affordable housing, right?

At least I thought so. Tonight, after the amazing parishioners at the Boonville United Methodist Church fed us an incredibly generous spread, our presentation seemed lack-luster. I'm afraid we're falling into the habit of giving the schpiel--you know, the history, the superficial mission, the video, some stories--without really getting to the heart at what Bike and Build is all about. You know, we have all this information floating in our heads - facts, figures, and experiences understanding the many problems plaguing housing in this country - but all we can ever say is that we're "raising awareness". Well, great, but instead of telling everyone what we're doing, I really think we need to be more effective at talking to other people about the problems of affordable housing and the variety of amazing people and organizations working toward a better end. We need to give something for the people we meet on the street, in the supermarket, or at the church, to actually be aware about.

On Wednesday, we, as a group will conduct our first affordable housing meeting. A seminar of sorts, several people will present some of their research and facilitate a discussion. Hopefully, after we all come together and develop a common knowledge set, we may be able to more effectively communicate to others the urgency of the situation we're supposedly trying to aid. Our money is not enough, and neither is our manpower.

On a lighter note, we're done with the Adirondacks! They were beautiful and all, but they were kinda difficult...actually, really difficult. But it is amazing to see the motivation of all these kids. The vast majority have not had much riding experience, myself included, but have already managed some of the most difficult rides on the entire trip. And I think everyone's improvement is pretty evident, which is really encouraging for the rest of the trip. I've heard, from other groups, that some riders just don't ride some days, choosing instead to rest in the van. That is not going to happen to this group, I know it. We've got the best trailer mural, after all, we MUST have the best, most motivated people. The leaders want us all to ride the whole way, and I think we will. No van rides for me, except to the showers.

Before arriving in Boonville, I met two members of my extended family in Indian Lake, my father's cousins on his mom's side, Alice and Jeanine (I hope I'm spelling that right) They were wonderful people, and I'm so glad I got to meet them. After a soggy and difficult ride to IL, they lifted our spirits with amazing cookies and chocolate cake (with special Parker family frosting). This morning, Jeanine took me to my grandparents' and great-grandparents' grave, about a mile our so outside of town. It was nice to see them. Though I don't remember my grandparents only from pictures, and I certainly don't remember the funeral, I must say it was kind of emotional to see the Houghton and Parker (my grandmother's maiden name) family lineage strewn together in front of my face. For all of my life, that entire side of my family has remained rather unfamiliar. I mean, I barely remember my dad's sister, and don't remember his brother, much less the rest of the family. In any case, perhaps some of the pieces will come together in the coming years.

It's on to Palermo tomorrow. Another 70 mile ride, much of it rolling hills, trending downward. My dad is coming to bring us fruit and really good, fresh bagels.

Time to sleep.