Jeremy to the West

May 22 2018 Tues $230 Day 8

I woke today to find a tick creeping along my braid. Needless to say, I packed up and burned rubber before even thinking of breakfast. It makes me wonder if the little bastard bit me at all overnight. On the one hand, I've heard ticks gorge themselves until they're ready to burst, which didn't look the case with this bug. On the other hand, I pedalled like a madman today, feeling so full of energy. Now I'm no doctor, but everyone knows the secret to a healthy mind and body is bloodletting.

I've been fortunate with ticks so far. I always seem to catch them at my sleeves, shoulders and pantlegs. There was one instance, though, in which I felt a distinct tingling sensation on my abdomen as I was standing on the shoulder for a break. I lifted my shirt and just about lost my shit on that little fucker. But when I placed my hand near it, the dumbass crawled onto my thumb, from which I flicked it to the soil from whence it came. I can only guess it failed to penetrate my rock-hard abs. I hope the impotent little shit starved after that.

I reached Regina today and stocked up on protein bars and Tide Pods before stopping in a McDonald's to use up the last of my gift cards. Here I received word that I'd be unable to stay at a friend's place in the city because he's currently out of town.

But before I could dwell on it, a woman approached my table to ask if it was my bike all loaded up outside. She turned out to be an avid cyclist herself, having gone on long trips like mine before and even planning for another in June. We spoke for a while, her husband offering humorous commentary where he could. They suggested a shop from which I could buy padded shorts after hearing of my sock solution. And when they left, not a minute passed before that sweet ol' gal came back to exchange information, should I find myself in need.

My spirits uplifted, I set out for the store they suggested. I found it easily enough and explained my situation to a sales clerk. He laughed and shook his head. "You rode a week without a chamois? You're crazy."

I shrugged. "Not crazy exactly." That's a lie. "Just a little ignorant."

As soon as I got outside with my purchase, I dropped my shorts and put them on. The lady from earlier had told me not to wear underwear with them, but I couldn't strip any more in that parking lot, so that knowledge will have to be for tomorrow.

I then proceeded to ride through town to see the sights, happy as a bleedin' clam on my new ass cushion. I went downtown, had some fro-yo, checked out their Legislative Building (inferior for its lack of Golden Boy, despite nicer grounds) and finally ended up at a motel on Ring Rd, which is Hwy 1.

Unfortunately, the motel only had a two-bed room vacant and it's up a steep set of stairs. The kind that leaves you breathless to walk up. Imagine my fun taking my loaded bike up. I'll be taking the bike and bags down separately in the morning.

Upon settling, I decided to walk to a sushi place I'd passed on the way here. I felt almost naked without all my gear, but this and the sun shower outside were refreshing feelings.

What wasn't so refreshing was standing to pay for my meal and realizing I'd left my wallet in the motel room. I checked my pockets—phone and room key. I needed the key to enter my room, so I offered the waiter my phone while I retrieved my wallet, to which he readily acquiesced.

With my bill paid and my phone back where it belongs, I walked to the motel one more time, concluding the first leg of the trip.

Y'know, I'd kinda forgotten how pleasant a breeze can be.

On-bike action shot. Po po can't catch me.