by
Mary Rose Grant
School for Professional Studies
Saint Louis University
Long distance cycling is a strenuous sport. Most cyclists train for months before attempting any long distance ride, whether competitive or not. Training is imperative for optimal physical endurance and strength. In this case, the bikers, both in excellent health and physical condition, trained for six months before attempting a trek across the United States. The training regimen for this event was well planned and intensive. It consisted of cycling 15 to 20 miles each day during the week and 40 to 50 miles a day on the weekends in all weather conditions. In addition to cycling for endurance and because the bikers would be carrying 50 pounds of additional gear during the actual trip, the bikers spent one hour per day, three days a week, lifting weights to build muscle mass and increase both upper and lower body strength. Vigilant about diet and nutritional requirements for athletic conditioning, the bikers ate balanced meals and drank appropriate types and amounts of fluids to maintain health during training and to meet the demands of the planned trip.
Frank and Joe are 24-year-old fraternal twins. Like most twins, they enjoy similar activities. Being single and male, Frank and Joe enjoy girl-watching and more mundane sports, such as cycling. Being the adventurers they are, as well as history buffs, they decide to attempt their first long-distance cycling expedition this summer. Their first ultra-marathon is to retrace the journey of Lewis and Clark to the Northwest. But, unlike Lewis and Clark, they decide to make the 3,041-mile trip totally via land by bicycle rather than long boat. They estimate that by pedaling an average of 50 to 60 miles per day, they can reach the Pacific Ocean from Illinois in 60 days.
It’s July 27th. Frank and Joe, 20 days into their 3,041-mile bike ride, are crossing the prairie flats in Kansas. Blinded by the mid-day sun, Frank notices that Joe is having trouble controlling his bike. He shouts: “Joe! What’s wrong with you? You’re weaving all over the place …”. Suddenly, Joe and his bike careen down a small ravine. Frank speeds up to the spot where Joe disappeared. By the time he gets there, Joe is climbing up to the road pushing his bike. “You scared the hell out of me!” says Frank.
Heart pounding and irritated with the whole situation, Joe snaps back, “I don’t know what happened … I just lost control of the bike … No big deal! The lights were blinding me. I must have gotten a little dizzy. I don’t know. Forget it.”
“Well, you must have cut your forearm; you’re bleeding through your shirt!” Frank says with concern about Joe’s wound and his abnormal behavior.
“Give it a rest, Frank. Better me than my bike. Let’s just stop here and rest for a while,” Joe says with fatigue in his voice. “My muscles are tense and aching, my knees are stiff, and I’ve got a splitting headache on top of that!”
Frank offers Joe some water. Joe turns him down and reaches for his usual energy drink and some aspirin.
“Does your stomach hurt, Frank?” asks Joe.
“No I’m fine,” replies Frank. “Why?”
Joe continues, “I think that roadside diner did me in this morning. I would have been better off eating road kill … Of course you were more concerned with that little waitress … Oh, God …” Suddenly, Joe doubles up screaming in pain, falls to his knees, then passes out in the dirt.
Date Posted: 09/15/05 nas
Image Credits: Title photo © Norman Eder. Underlying map courtesy of the United States Mint; superimposed cyclists © Paul Johnson.
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