Adversity

My grandfather once lamented that the younger generations haven't experienced any real adversity.  I was probably 12 years old at the time.  I didn't really get the point, but it stuck with me.  By no means am I saying riding a bicycle across the country is adversity.  It's a bike ride.  I also don't think he meant everyone needs to suffer through a great depression and bread lines in order to build character.  Like most things, it's a sliding scale.  It's obvious though, we have it better now than ever (in most places).  Imagine meeting someone traversing the Oregon Trail in 1840.  While you're going on about jets and cars, he's suffering through dysentery and dehydration.  If he makes his destination, the character built during that journey would clearly outweigh the combined sum of everyone leaving out of JFK on a Boeing 737. 

I'm not saying we need a horse and carriage renaissance.  I love modern conveniences as much as the next guy.  However, explaining my bicycle trip to people brings out an incredible positive resonance that's difficult to deny.  Without asking, I've been given a book, magazines, bottles of water, food, and encouraging words.  One morning I was packing up camp and a lady walked over and handed me a breakfast burrito and said "You'll need plenty of energy!"  It was delicious, by the way.  When I was on top of the continental divide, I was invited inside a couple's RV and given water, fruit, and some cookies.  People have offered to drive me into town and back if I needed supplies.  One couple even offered to meet me later on my route to give me a sandwich.  I don't know why the offer was specifically a sandwich, but it was a nice gesture nonetheless.  For reference, this type of treatment hasn't been the norm for me.  People don't just hand me things when I'm walking down the street.  It's not because people think I'm friendly or I put out a good vibe.  I think it's because people recognize and appreciate someone willing to take a difficult route.  The thought alone sparks a sort of motivation or internal drive for something beyond the ordinary.  While these people might not be in a position to get out there themselves, they almost seem compelled to help those that are.  

I've tried to understand this type of behavior beyond the aforementioned surface level perceptions, which has taken me down some ridiculous mental rabbit holes.  For example, I was recently listening to a podcast called Invisibilia, which is a show about the "intangible forces that shape human behavior."  During an episode called Entanglement, it starts by explaining quantum entanglement.  We don't scientifically understand it yet, but the simplest explanation is the fact that a single object can be in two places simultaneously.  Scientists have forced two atoms to become entangled at distances over 88 miles, where changing something in one atom will instantaneously affect the second atom in the same way, faster than the speed of light.  This isn't possible within the constructs of Newtonian physics, and is the origin of the famous quote from Einstein calling it "spooky action at a distance."  Theoretically, a single atom in your body could be entangled with an atom in another person, or with an atom of another planet.  The stuff our universe is made of can be physically separated and yet the same thing.  Now that is wild.  When trying to incorporate this knowledge into my world view, the inescapable conclusion is we are all connected.  We're connected in ways we don't understand.  

It's a crazy jump between people being nice to quantum entanglement.  But, when I explain what I'm doing to a stranger, I see a change in their eyes, I can feel the resonance, I can feel the yearning to alleviate some of the adversity I may face.  Even if that yearning materializes in the form of a breakfast burrito, it's there.  My current endeavor isn't monumental or significant in any way, it's just a few miles on a bike.  However, gladly giving an unsolicited helping hand simply due to the perception of adversity demonstrates something very significant.  Even self-imposed adversity in the pursuit of something extraordinary brings people together in powerful ways.  Why?  Perhaps we are all entangled.  Maybe we are the same thing - physically separated, yet instantaneously affected.  It just takes pushing yourself right into the face of adversity to recognize it.  Maybe grandpa was right, we need some adversity to really grow, to build character, and to connect with others, even if it's just a long bike ride.      

Pedal On  

Uncertainty

Yesterday I cleared a 7,000 foot peak, nearly fractured my hand inside the mouth of an American Rottweiler (he was "playing" according to the owners), and I was forced to utter the words "Hey, man.  Can I get a courtesy flush over there?"  Luckily, he complied; he was making my shower preparations quite uncomfortable.  As for the owners of the overzealous Rottweiler, they turned out to be incredibly nice - they even bought me a six-piece California sushi sampler and a box of mixed fruit, then gave me a couple of beers (all before the dog hand-mouth situation).  The people I've met so far have been great - I've had a park attendant go out of his way to help me with a tire, a couple that loaned me some tools and offered me a drink, a fellow traveler that gave me food and shared some good conversation over a couple of beers, and the good Samaritans that stopped and offered help while I was patching a tire on the side of a hot desert road.  I also met a group of people riding on a fundraiser commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Vietnamese American journey to freedom (dashacrossamerica.com).  They gave me fresh fruit on the side of the road, some electrolyte packets, then offered me dinner and a beer when we all ended up at the same spot for the night.  Meeting and getting to know these wonderful people was completely unexpected, and more importantly, impossible if I didn't embrace the uncertainty of attempting this type of journey.  

I heard a TED Radio Hour podcast explaining that humans tend to embrace uncertainty when we play - both as children and adults.  We love suspenseful movies, unexpected plot twists of a book, and the uncertainty of a decision when playing a game.  It was noted that adults who still take the time to play tend to have a more balanced view on life.  I tend to agree.  Part of the reason I left the military was due to knowing that if I stayed, my life would be very predictable.  Sure, I might get an unexpected assignment, but overall, I knew exactly what my life would be if I stayed.  However, embracing uncertainty in our non-play life is a different beast.  Nobody wants to be uncertain if they'll have enough money, uncertain if a plan will work out, or uncertain if they are making the right choice in a major life decision.  I'm no exception, I've had doubts regarding my decision to leave behind a great job with security, retirement paychecks, and great benefits.  But it's not always about the future, it's about right now.  Because that's all we have, perpetually stuck between the past and future.  I, for one, would rather face the unknown and uncertainty than be perpetually stuck in a predictable present.  After all, the unexpected joys of life live comfortably in the unknown.    

Sure, I may have taken some fairly drastic measures in pursuit of these unexpected joys, but it has given me the opportunity to really slow down my mind - to patiently observe and embrace the human experience.  It has given me the chance to really appreciate the confident squirrel that wants a little of my trail mix, the galloping horse running alongside my bike, the stunning views of nature, and the kind hearts of passing strangers.  So I'm going to keep playing, because in the end, it'll work out just fine.  It always does.  

Pedal On  

First Week

I'm on my seventh day and I've traversed a grand total of 138 miles.  It's not very impressive, but as I've mentioned, I'm forcing myself to take it nice and slow, despite my inclination to just keep it moving.  I feel if I can't complete this journey without getting injured, I should re-think my ocean rowing project.  Based on my rowing timeline estimates, I'm even behind what I'm expecting to complete in a week of rowing - around 175 miles.  I'm mainly concerned with my knees, I don't want to strain any muscles or irritate any tendons.  After around 3 hours of riding, I start feeling the stress on my knees, hence the 3 days I've taken to rest in the first week.  My goal is to comfortably ride for at least 5 hours per day, completing at least 50 miles per day.

Other than adjusting physically, everything seems to be holding up fairly well, other than anything I have that inflates.  I woke one morning to 3 flat tires - both of my bike tires and one of my trailer tires.  I patched all three tubes, which helped for a while.  They held for a couple of days but ended up keeping a slow leak.  I ended up changing the bike tubes with a self-sealing type of tube in addition to adding a puncture liner inside of both tires.  Hopefully they will hold up for a while.  I also have a small one-man inflatable air mattress that died on me.  I'm going to try and patch it tonight.  I've gone through the gamut of emotions - gratitude that I'm in a position to even try something like this, frustration in my physical performance, questioning why I'm even doing this, to really enjoying the scenery and people I've met along the way.  The good news is I can tell I'm already getting stronger.  My efforts thus far are giving me some good insight on what's in store once I arrive to the East coast for my rowing training.  Up next is the continuous climb to the continental divide!  Until next time.  

Pedal On  

Initial Impression

Day 1

I've officially started my ride, leaving from Oceanside, CA.  Of all I've read about attempting such a journey, the first thing to expect is that it'll be rough for the first couple of weeks.  I'm finding my attempt is no exception.  But I'm glad to say my first 50 miles and first 4000 feet of vertical climb are behind me.  That being said, I'm forcing myself to take it slow.  The last thing I need is an injury right off the bat.  During my training, I probably should've done a bit more hill work with more weight.  I got very comfortable with a decently loaded bike and trailer, with a max of 1000 foot climb in a single ride.  Now with a fully loaded bike, and some serious vertical climbs, my body is telling me it's time to take it easy for a bit until I can adjust.  I'm having to force myself to just accept that this will take some time, and to sit back and give myself plenty of time to rest.   But, I'm optimistic - I'll be on the downhill for the next segment, and I'm feeling good.  

Starting from Oceanside Pier, CA.  


The Hardtop Ocean Rowing Boat

The ocean rowing community apparently hates canvass protection over the rowing seat.  The canvass material can presumably be used as a sail, which doesn't make much sense, considering every ocean rower carries some sort of sea anchor or drogue made from sail-like material.  Smaller sea anchors are at least 6 feet in diameter, with far more material than that of a potential canvass roof.  However, deciding on canvass protection can potentially have detrimental effects.  I've been warned that the Ocean Rowing Society won't even recognize a row if there's a canvass covering.  This type of extreme reaction isn't just with the Ocean Rowing Society, apparently negative reactions will permeate all throughout the ocean rowing community.  I don't understand why.  Please leave a comment if you have better insight.   


I'm attempting to cross over 7,000 miles of open ocean in a one-man row boat.  I'll be at sea for upwards of 10 months; I'm going to want some protection from the elements.  My initial inclination was to just throw up a canvass covering when needed, which I obviously can't do without ruffling some feathers.  So then came the design options; how do we design protection that is functional and generally accepted by fellow ocean rowers?  I initially wanted to create a hardtop with removable panels, but logistically it didn't make much sense.  So then came a permanent hardtop.  I was initially weary of not having the same standing space, but Eric Sponberg (the designer) managed to come up with a brilliant solution.  It'll still be a hardtop, but I'll also be able to stand vertically through a window hatch.  

On the left, the figure is standing through the window hatch on the right between the solar panels.  Click here for full pictures.  

On the left, the figure is standing through the window hatch on the right between the solar panels.  Click here for full pictures.  

The hardtop provides the much needed protection, yet I can still stand when required, and it has the added bonus of providing more space for solar panels.  Additionally, it also addresses some concerns in regard to design, mainly windage.  The effect of wind upon the boat is a concern because some may see an unfair advantage if the forward cabin is significantly higher than the aft cabin.  Obviously, if the front is taller, there's a big flat surface helping to push you along, provided you have a tailwind.  I was also concerned from a sheer functionality perspective.  If the boat is too tall, the wind will catch too much, and unless its pushing me in the right direction, I'll be working hard to keep a course.  Rowers have failed exactly for this reason.  I think Eric came up with a great solution for the task at hand, but that means having a slightly taller forward cabin, so we worked to try and achieve a design that quells most windage concerns.   


The main issue here is the lack of published and generally accepted guidelines for designing an ocean rowing boat.  Being a relatively new sport, there isn't an athletic commission, nor is there an adjudicating or sanctioning body for the overall sport of ocean rowing.  The only guidance I have is from other boat designers, other ocean rowers, and the rules for specific ocean rowing events.  New Ocean Wave is an organization that organizes "The Great Pacific Race" departing from San Francisco and ending in Hawaii.  They specify general boat requirements for all participants, however, since I'm not participating, they don't technically apply to me.  


After contacting the Ocean Rowing Society, I was informed that they recognize two classes of boats, the "Traditional" and "Open" class.  The open class apparently accepts multihull designs, and others that don't fit the bill for a traditional boat.  The details end there.  So, in my effort to create a design that meets the ambiguous "Traditional" class, I compared my current hardtop design with the only rules I could find, that of New Ocean Wave, keeping in mind that my effort will be much longer and serve a different purpose.  


Of note, within Rule 4.1.6:  “There shall be no use, or attempted use, of any equipment that deliberately reduces rowing effort, or increases Boat speed.”  This could potentially apply to a canvass top used as a sail, but since I no longer am planning a canvass top, I see nothing I'm violating here. 


Rule 4.1.8:  "The design of the Boat shall have 2 watertight Cabins, one at the bow and one at the stern.  The rowing position shall be placed between the two cabins." Met. 


 Rule 4.1.9:  “If the highest point on the bow Cabin is higher or an equal distance from the Load Waterline than the highest point on the stern Cabin, then the highest point of the bow Cabin shall be no higher than 48” (~1.2m) above the Load Waterline and the highest point of the stern Cabin shall be no lower than 27” (~0.7m) above the Load Waterline.”  This is where I begin to deviate slightly.  However, note the allowed difference in height, 48" for the front, 27" for the back, leaving the potential for a 21" height difference.  My forward cabin is 54" above the Load Water Line (6" taller than allowed) and my aft cabin is 42", leaving a height difference of 12", much less than allowed in the New Ocean Wave races. 


Yes, my boat is slightly taller than allowed for their race, but I'm also going over twice the distance.  The important point being the windage advantage I have is less with a 12" gap than the allowed 21" gap.  I'll note that my 12" difference doesn't not account for the bubble top I have planned over the main cabin.  With the bubble top (equal windage from all directions), I'm at max height of 63.17", leaving a gap of 21.17".  I'm essentially meeting the difference in cabin height requirement, even with the bubble top.  Keep in mind the bubble top isn't built yet, so that last .17" could potentially be cut off.  


Rule 4.1.10:  “If the highest point on the stern Cabin is higher than the highest point on the bow Cabin, then the highest point of the stern Cabin shall be no higher than 56” (~1.4m) above the Load Waterline, and the highest point on the bow Cabin shall be no higher than 48” (~1.2m) above the Load Waterline.”  This technically doesn't apply to my design since my bow cabin is higher.  However, note the max cabin height of 56", which is 2" taller than my highest cabin (minus the bubble top).  


Our last attempt to rule out a windage advantage is the design of the hardtop itself.  The slope of the forward facing main cabin window is 24 degrees from horizontal.  The aft facing hardtop window is 21 degrees from horizontal.  My front window has 3 degrees of more windage potential than my aft window.  This is based on angle alone; overall surface area at those angles should be considered to be exact.  Since the aft facing window is slightly larger, I'm calling it a wash.  Additionally, the hard top essentially renders the height difference in cabins a moot point.  By connecting both cabins with a single, permanent structure, with nearly equal angles relative to horizontal, I don't see where I would have a wind advantage. 


The last rule I want to mention is Rule 4.1.7:  “The design of the Boat shall be restricted to ensure that it is fit for purpose, safe, and in the spirit of ocean rowing."  We're doing everything we can to ensure the boat is safe and fit for purpose.  We've also gone to great lengths ensuring my design is in the spirit of ocean rowing.  In those efforts, I think we've come up with a design that meets every criteria I've encountered.  


Thanks to New Ocean Wave for allowing me to share their rules.  I hope this has been a sufficient explanation for the design decisions I've made in regard to the hardtop.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!


Paddle On