Scary numbers

Day 23, July 22, Hite Outpost. Trying to find campsites or places to park the RV is challenging enough in these remote areas, but coordinating that with Elliptigo travel distances while giving time for the other essentials each afternoon can get tricky. I estimate the Elliptigoing itself is only half the effort of the total. Looking at the map this morning there is a section we are entering that reads “no services for the next 125 miles”. The photos show the sign at the outskirts of Hanksville, UT. This proved true for cell service too and we were without for 2 days. Those mile numbers feel intimidating. I was definitely a little scared. But there are other numbers that scare me more and are the reason we are out here. 93,000 people in the U.S. died from substance overdoses in 2020, a record number and an increase of 29% from 2019. That is 1 person every 5”, not much longer than your reading this post. The number of deaths are the tip of the iceberg, exponentially more are addicted or abusing substances on the way to addiction. This trend is reversible. You know people who are struggling with this affliction, though you may not know that because most suffer in secret and self-isolate. Compassionate community surrounding them matters. “Addiction is a treatable brain disease that disables decision-making”.

Help.

Day 22, July 21, Hanksville. Help.

Today was an easy 49 miles, mostly downhill, through colorful canyons in Capital Reef NP. It was a rest day after a difficult day yesterday of 80 miles and 7000’ climbing (for biking comparison, that is around 120 miles and 10,500’ climbing). My legs were strenuously objecting after a big climbing day 2 days before, but this was the first time I felt like they were about to go on strike. It was hotter again too. I had really wanted to make it to Torrey that night but I was going so slow on the last long climb that the next 5 miles felt impossible. Several of the climbs that day had been up to 12% grade, which I am finding is about the max for me on the elliptigo for this kind of daily long distance work. Beth came back for me and we drove up to the summit so I could survey what was ahead and decide how to proceed. In my depleted state, I forgot to pause my Strava app while driving for about a 1/2 mile stretch and so frustratingly corrupted the data. The break revived me some, the coming grade was milder, and the clouds had poured in providing some cover from the sun’s intensity. If I could make the summit it would be a mostly downhill 25 miles to Torrey. Then the rain started, cooling everything wonderfully, and I got to experience renewed energy and strength. I was sure I was done and had nothing left, but a call for help bringing Beth’s assistance, and then an unexpected change in circumstances with the cooling rain brought me to Torrey. Same in recovery. Ask others for help. That is a courageous and strong action. And persevere, the cooling rain may come at any time.

Addiction is a treatable brain disease that disables decision-making. Injoelsteps.com

Searching

Day 20, July 19, Nearing Escalante, UT. I dreamed last night that I was playing hide and seek with Joel. I had hidden under a table on a screen porch and Joel was counting down, 3,2,1, “here I come”! He had rounded the porch searching for me when I awoke, once again I forgot for a moment as wakefulness engaged that Joel wasn’t with us anymore. I briefly relived the horror of his loss again as I connected with the reality of this new world “after”. Joel’s story ended after barely beginning to experience the benefits of a sober life at 28 years old. Therein lies my greatest anguish, that he did not get the chance to redeem all of his suffering, all his courageous efforts to loosen addiction’s grip, to be free, and to help others gain that freedom. I journey now in proxy to further his efforts and bring some meaning to Joel’s story. I dreamed Joel was searching for me, but I think I am searching for him.