There is always someone to admire...

From Jim Hyde of Rawhyde Adventures (off-road motorcycle riding):

"It does not matter what you do in life... there is always someone that is tougher, faster, smarter... or more committed than you are... On our ride of the Great Divide from Mexico to the Canadian border we encountered a couple of folks who are "more committed" to the Great Divide ride than we were. They are 'unicyclists"... They are giving themselves 4 and a half months to ride their unicycles down the Great Divide. Their names are Gracie and Matt... Yikes.... Unicycles... they each have a 20 pound pack of 'Stuff" on their backs.. and they not only have to pedal "up" hills... but down as well... they cant even coast down a hill. Its all work...If it's hardpack they ride... if its sand or mud they "walk"... 2400 miles... 4 and half months... my hat's off to them...
We were congratulating ourselves on our accomplishment till we met them. I was humbled by what they are trying to do. You can check Gracie and Matt out at http://divideby1.blogspot.com/. Of particular interest is the fact that they have pictures of us on their blog... (about half way down - they mention that the motorcyclists were their favorite folks... because we gave 'em some food... pretty funny-HA!) They were a joy to meet and as many folks do on an extreme endeavor they have a charity that they are trying to raise some $$ for.. the leukemia and lymphoma society."

[Cecilie here again] I'm adding "riding the Great Divide" to my list of dream rides - my off-road skills are still in kindergarten, no where near what they would need to be for riding the Great Divide.

I have returned from a 3,000 mile solo ride to Keystone Colorado where I attended the AMA Women Riders' Conference. I'll have the Labor Day weekend to write about the great ride and the better-than-expected conference.