Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 20, 2002

Day 49 Penaca
Today was a big day in Penaca. There was a dynamite explosion at 5:45am, but it didn’t manage to wake me up. Legend has it that the last few years the explosion has actually blown out the windows of the firehouse we were staying at. After a few years of that they finally moved the site of the explosion. So, I managed to sleep in and then got up hungry and wanting a big breakfast. We filled a van and drove out to Pinoche, a mining town about 15 miles away. We pulled into town and found a cute diner. After looking over the menu most of us got “the hungry miner”: pan cakes, eggs and bacon! We walked around the town, looking at the town historical museum and learning more about the Pinoche. Back in the day, Pinoche was responsible for 60% of Nevada’s murders.

The guys were in search of cow boy hats, so we drove over to Caliente to see there selection. The biggest store in town was the True Value. That didn’t keep us occupied for too long, so we headed back to the firehouse. All this excitement, and I was ready for a nap, but Kelly and I hopped in the van to find some diner. We went back to the diner in Pinoche. The owner was there and was more than happy to donate food. We knew that the majority of the group would be at the BBQ in Penaca, but the vegetarians needed something in addition to the BBQ beef… The Pinoche diner donated home made pizza, ham sandwiches and a wonderful roast beef sandwich for Kelly and I to split while we waited. While we were out, the rest of the crew was in the Penaca parade. From what I hear they received a warm welcome, with clapping and cheering. They were even guests of honor at the BBQ that followed.

Back at the firehouse Kelly and I learned that our route was going to be changed a little. Although this seemed last minute it was very exciting to hear that our days would be shorter and we would be biking into San Francisco instead of over the bridge and away from the city.

We then had a “Pow- wow”. Most of the riders continued to share who they are dedicating there ride to. This is always a special time in the trip. I am always so amazed at how well everyone articulates what motivates them, who they think about… Everyone has such special and unique reasons for pushing themselves each day and its awesome that we can share it with each other.

After getting organized, I went to watch a little TV. I could have watched Goonies all night, but the 4am wake up was calling me!

Good night

- Jenn Parker