tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77567219873608800382024-03-06T07:27:12.278+00:002007 PAC Tour Northern TranscontinentalA personal journal of a 26-day, 3,405 mile bike ride across the United States of America, from Everett, WA to Williamsburg, VA, taking place from Sunday, 15 July to Thursday, 9 August 2007, averaging 132 miles per day.Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-15646049816910949252007-08-19T14:37:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:02.319+00:00Epilogue<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Note: If you're reading this blog retrospectively, you might want to start </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://sbseven-shaun.blogspot.com/2007/07/tour-details.html">here</a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /><br /></div>I've left a week between the ride completion and this summary to let everything ferment and settle down... I sure everybody has their own view on the trip. Here's mine!<br /><br />Personally, I enjoyed the tour immensely, although it was very tough at times and perhaps slightly too long without a scheduled rest day. 26 days straight riding, mostly 125+ miles days, in hot summer temperatures is bordering on excessive! There were a couple of days when I thought "why am I doing this?", but mostly, although I may not have enjoyed every minute cycling, I did enjoy the satisfaction of completing each day and moving further across the country. There is something immensely satisfying about a long road trip, especially a coast-to-coast. I feel a great sense of achievement having crossed America on a bicycle. In fact, I'll repeat that in large, emboldened, red, white and blue capitals:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I</span> <span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">C</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">R</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">O</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">S</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">S</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">E</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">D</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">A</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">M</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">E</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">R</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">C</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">A</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">O</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">N</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">A</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">I</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">C</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Y</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">C</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">L</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">E</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">!</span><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpIkApYQwuUxPvanBeivv-7U0HT3NFTutX_GUugCykQPg1Ycvl7-C6DaVLHntR0uJzBM1rjUJRV-cT_a047_GN56fvamGVQp0xQwjjSbkJ2Q3fZKT-ZbeTx5Ek1vIunjNOWjsHged4OU/s1600-h/Image-ABD05D3A49E211DC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpIkApYQwuUxPvanBeivv-7U0HT3NFTutX_GUugCykQPg1Ycvl7-C6DaVLHntR0uJzBM1rjUJRV-cT_a047_GN56fvamGVQp0xQwjjSbkJ2Q3fZKT-ZbeTx5Ek1vIunjNOWjsHged4OU/s400/Image-ABD05D3A49E211DC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100427513606702194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Group shot at the Atlantic Ocean </span><span style="font-style: italic;">(photo from Susan's site)</span></span><br /></div><br />The organisation was superlative. Thanks to Susan and Lon and the crew: Susan, Jim, Jon, Lara, Franz, Dave, John, Buster (and Blisti the dog!). You were all fantastic and worked tirelessly to make this trip run smoothly so that we, the riders, could concentrate on doing what we wanted to do - RIDE OUR BIKES. Pactour really is a very smooth and unique operation.<br /><br />And what a great group of riders! There were no egos or bad apples on this trip. Everybody was very supportive and friendly. I felt we became a great family (crew included) for the month that we traversed the country, gradually learning each other's character, including the inevitable idiosyncrasies! Thanks to Kurt, my room-mate, who made room sharing a surprisingly painless affair. He also provided the computer that most of this blog was written on! I also include a special thought for the riders who left the tour early, for one reason or other...<br /><br />My bike did pretty well. I had no major mechanicals, although I did have 13 punctures! Maybe my 23s were a bit light, in retrospect. The road surfaces and I think, the high temperatures, wore out my tyres prematurely. I was only getting 1,000 miles from a rear!<br /><br />So, it's all over and I'm glad! My body was beginning to break down. I struggled with a cough and mild cold for the majority of the tour, I got stung by an angry bee, I pulled a muscle in a calf, I had strains at various points during the tour to both ankles, the back of both knees, the outside ligments of the left knee. I fell off and had a nice bit of road rash to contend with for a week! I have a slightly numb big toe. Even without all of this, the general wear and tear of riding a long way on consecutive days gradually took its toll. Certainly during the last week, I wasn't recovering properly for the next day.<br /><br />This was certainly a trip of a lifetime for me and one that I'll carry both the good and the not so good memories close to me for a very long time. Maybe, I'll see some of my new friends on the road in the future, who knows...<br /><br />Shaun Bonney<br />August 2007Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-20387199326025178412007-08-19T14:13:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:04.901+00:00Tour Profile - Week 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoU-_u6-1_Rj7Tx6ImoGfcPCzcUkSqqyqSlh5AX7sHlaazeANfk8UG_9EJXQI4I75OfdTIc1tvAoilUJy54zTFNgT6-oPbMIxV-rEKZNJzNf5iIBDqGlrnlJGakisjUDLSf3EqFfw0IY/s1600-h/030807.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoU-_u6-1_Rj7Tx6ImoGfcPCzcUkSqqyqSlh5AX7sHlaazeANfk8UG_9EJXQI4I75OfdTIc1tvAoilUJy54zTFNgT6-oPbMIxV-rEKZNJzNf5iIBDqGlrnlJGakisjUDLSf3EqFfw0IY/s400/030807.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100399523304834018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0uzR3eb-i46aMx3YcWchDtqchsaGJp11tXnzajzPsWduG3gWOWa8ybgoMHe8lE4AyNDSTlq5ttWogRF_cewubpw7WiFdMtmdXcZChkI2ezaNN4LkmGCHrFatWTOHic_MgMPoBI2Pmhk/s1600-h/040807.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9APV3yU7DBL9NJazHrq-okV-T6H5K0DXbLvO9RROu-RL38T8rzm0ZKn6d3KHDBD33WWqCEYxgypiXpBVK5Cq06NAoSZy-GGczwnMnE8SwgPZ80MMuyj3Ve7UJjbZStO9EiYlH4AoFKB8/s400/250707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100378520914756466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeUxSJcS_Qgg3sLvqQQ57yxoleO4ZkCCST0w9JgHGSzjIB0CFo_r4zgLLCcqNgY8u1hGG3fnrPk9qx_ab90SMyQJhFVxGtaJ2CzZXo_RpkJoZP2cix2IxJQUyKpD_eTJlMumFXWhvov8/s1600-h/260707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeUxSJcS_Qgg3sLvqQQ57yxoleO4ZkCCST0w9JgHGSzjIB0CFo_r4zgLLCcqNgY8u1hGG3fnrPk9qx_ab90SMyQJhFVxGtaJ2CzZXo_RpkJoZP2cix2IxJQUyKpD_eTJlMumFXWhvov8/s400/260707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100378520914756482" border="0" /></a>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-17932971970765556722007-08-18T15:27:00.001+01:002008-12-12T02:59:08.511+00:00Tour Profile - Week 1Profile of the tour recorded daily by my cycle computer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCEwFadOfVvXssczbF7OG9iX9SNj73ccA0YsJau8B-viWNvLXDxJJL6iVsoI4KnCcwTBSDFYj1L2H2Hd2jZe90ufkcXX5Kgjc4mXz-q3WKhVc9a2P_QdCimzQM8FkFOOJoyCdV_XsvSo/s1600-h/130707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9PAfw8IcxqR9EnrWR9705vKq0d89NhtsuV3BQiKyI_ZkNtHUPN0pHEL2avtgyoSO6krgRdk1G1e-Alny2qaHQ6y1uoWFw8z2GmTrbVioA7CRakW35k99W6hhp0mwJIewtZrV-0N4e-4/s400/150707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100051540759544530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD6YRcApVivVW7sFdaAORkZf7E0RJOcyRRQTkgnSZjQyEAWDdPDng6_POoFzjghkY6XyNtC0p085X6laVMNu5YGNlISnVjVpgE-sI5YlGY60ueFjdg1F-NK7oI4LOfzE6i0gpQWfA6Lk/s1600-h/160707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD6YRcApVivVW7sFdaAORkZf7E0RJOcyRRQTkgnSZjQyEAWDdPDng6_POoFzjghkY6XyNtC0p085X6laVMNu5YGNlISnVjVpgE-sI5YlGY60ueFjdg1F-NK7oI4LOfzE6i0gpQWfA6Lk/s400/160707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100051549349479138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDfcPJQb5Onnx2nMyJhyphenhyphenISGgv1EHQLAgJHLsWjEhYWyQdSNMOQABRedo8gZ0yMJYOnAHhK2OT7_bYE5VsukKyKNc6k-3KUrlxZAxilOXjIlbzBgwMPP3p8J4ZhRnwDnGHNUOI65npugo/s1600-h/170707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDfcPJQb5Onnx2nMyJhyphenhyphenISGgv1EHQLAgJHLsWjEhYWyQdSNMOQABRedo8gZ0yMJYOnAHhK2OT7_bYE5VsukKyKNc6k-3KUrlxZAxilOXjIlbzBgwMPP3p8J4ZhRnwDnGHNUOI65npugo/s400/170707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100051553644446450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4bHQw5IJwt_gKUUhmR7Tk1lpxp5drBDyrHcfmaQK081nXH0vjsz3x6FR5Y2FoOlYUu-8RzyrhvmkIjjSWcZzsstfZEMw5IEMTGYMKshSc_VpDHoU3mVqvW6abTjHsGkcbOFI0vAxKCA/s1600-h/180707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4bHQw5IJwt_gKUUhmR7Tk1lpxp5drBDyrHcfmaQK081nXH0vjsz3x6FR5Y2FoOlYUu-8RzyrhvmkIjjSWcZzsstfZEMw5IEMTGYMKshSc_VpDHoU3mVqvW6abTjHsGkcbOFI0vAxKCA/s400/180707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100051553644446466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-oUYWebS6Tb3pccRlMsZEHHj4KOYN-6zFRW0MTj5VNQBbmcf1zDwBhyDPfmkIHkb4byiXjhyphenhyphenQcuSF5p_kMfQMQmcGsKKCjF0-q2lCv0l_V77a7JJ286cRMQuXdPU-3fOTnETnqpTc0E/s1600-h/190707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-oUYWebS6Tb3pccRlMsZEHHj4KOYN-6zFRW0MTj5VNQBbmcf1zDwBhyDPfmkIHkb4byiXjhyphenhyphenQcuSF5p_kMfQMQmcGsKKCjF0-q2lCv0l_V77a7JJ286cRMQuXdPU-3fOTnETnqpTc0E/s400/190707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100051553644446482" border="0" /></a>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-7264744904507639092007-08-11T21:00:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:09.626+00:00Day 26: Thursday, 9 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Ashland, VA to Williamsburg, VA...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">[</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=ashland,+va&daddr=37.251101,-76.536255+to:williamsburg,+va&mrcr=0,1&mrsp=1&sz=10&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;mra=dpe&dirflg=h&sll=37.517351,-76.650238&sspn=0.815841,1.439209&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ie=UTF8&t=h&z=10&om=1">map</a><span style="font-style: italic;">]</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >I've only gone and bloody done it!</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /> Mileage:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">78.6miles</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">+14.1 back to hotel</span>, Start:<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> 7:30am</span>, Time:<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">6hr:14min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">15.7mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">12.6mph, </span>Climb:<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> 1,046ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Hot</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> and humid</span>, Temp: <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">82-95°F</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /> We've finally made it! After 26 hot days we've reached the Atlantic coast and completed our US transcontinental... and not a moment too soon.<br /><br />Everybody was chirpy at breakfast and looking forward to the last ride. We set off together out of Ashland into another steamy and humid day. The early miles were a little hairy, with a large bunch and morning commuter traffic, so I and a few others decided to hang back so as not to have a problem on the last day of all days! In the end, I rode a lot of the day in my own space, still near to other riders but on my own, so as to savour the final miles and reflect on my last month of effort.<br /><br />As scheduled, we all met up again about 2 miles from the finish for a procession to the beach. We waited quite a while for Woody to turn up, but he eventually did. (Woody rode at his own pace throughout the tour but still achieved the same result as everybody else who completed). Then we 'processed' to the finish. It was a special few minutes with everybody congratulating each other on their achievements. We even had several spectators clapping us in along the road! Upon reaching the beach, most took off shoes and socks and walked the bike to the water's edge for that special photo. I did the same of course.<br /><br />Following that, we had our lunch near the beach and rode back 14 miles to the hotel. We could now get off our bikes for good for the trip was at last over.<br /><br />I'm sure I'll be along later to wax more philosophically about the tour and wrap things up, but for now this is the end of the final road report. Thanks for spending the time reading my daily entries and I hope you enjoyed the ride!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgac6T62OQ9N5x1A0vaZ4fXksPsOoXd8Znmtb5mXfgoAUwH_6SNjY9x5d8ANMVGPw3fTyHF7NKDHEUYKxTlg4dzFH4ZLy38oTzvRpG7jkKYKmDBkwvzA4r6oK9Wdq5CQW5MayA2mHeHpYI/s1600-h/IMG_0816.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgac6T62OQ9N5x1A0vaZ4fXksPsOoXd8Znmtb5mXfgoAUwH_6SNjY9x5d8ANMVGPw3fTyHF7NKDHEUYKxTlg4dzFH4ZLy38oTzvRpG7jkKYKmDBkwvzA4r6oK9Wdq5CQW5MayA2mHeHpYI/s320/IMG_0816.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097539093031633202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rolling out on the final morning </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLFxrHY06plBj6EjPDRd3_tQLzKICcB8XZsd9sy2zicrBjNYUWswYIB8OAJw939tx8mbwcO-l2kaCggXwp-4JMZoUWZT73UNeyNTvNp9JAJiEJoeB4KpCjTZZkau_fUAfS-uVCfNKZh8/s1600-h/IMG_0822.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLFxrHY06plBj6EjPDRd3_tQLzKICcB8XZsd9sy2zicrBjNYUWswYIB8OAJw939tx8mbwcO-l2kaCggXwp-4JMZoUWZT73UNeyNTvNp9JAJiEJoeB4KpCjTZZkau_fUAfS-uVCfNKZh8/s320/IMG_0822.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097538405836865746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the Colonial Parkway</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7lXFCp4c7xXXznYU-ixiVaO_k1Qe2flGnRym3TJ1aGRHVasyX0QKQU7glaLJc3C_j_dIlcjd5RzwRF_Fyh7n6NbBsBrsJog9QOElil9y60rmb-PSrjvwrD4FYF0eR0dbsQFYx6Fmy9M/s1600-h/IMG_0829.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7lXFCp4c7xXXznYU-ixiVaO_k1Qe2flGnRym3TJ1aGRHVasyX0QKQU7glaLJc3C_j_dIlcjd5RzwRF_Fyh7n6NbBsBrsJog9QOElil9y60rmb-PSrjvwrD4FYF0eR0dbsQFYx6Fmy9M/s320/IMG_0829.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097538410131833058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Amassing for the procession...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT9nLCsegX9jX849Uleq1rTVzPH6sbtMRpfajDRHZdPYIOLdaswa29TsXxJrs4x0J5Cbwm4lI_cuWiUrg9xzKcMyjvz5_yHKwiFCQMVmIWpx-7u8sugqXFP2vFyBKlkqhM8pIH7mJK4s/s1600-h/IMG_0877.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT9nLCsegX9jX849Uleq1rTVzPH6sbtMRpfajDRHZdPYIOLdaswa29TsXxJrs4x0J5Cbwm4lI_cuWiUrg9xzKcMyjvz5_yHKwiFCQMVmIWpx-7u8sugqXFP2vFyBKlkqhM8pIH7mJK4s/s320/IMG_0877.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097538414426800370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Finishing!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsNwIHEB9iW637sQb5_f7nprz_SAdoyY0Durv7G4EBqUHRB6jy6EIPJamg7xJGEm-nby1k5b6Lkf9O1ry5-Rp6vjn8p85hNrMSexUhYa5IMj-3bJJpxZMGtNRtJbQ3mhOHGxPm84NH4w/s1600-h/IMG_0882.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsNwIHEB9iW637sQb5_f7nprz_SAdoyY0Durv7G4EBqUHRB6jy6EIPJamg7xJGEm-nby1k5b6Lkf9O1ry5-Rp6vjn8p85hNrMSexUhYa5IMj-3bJJpxZMGtNRtJbQ3mhOHGxPm84NH4w/s320/IMG_0882.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097538616290263314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me and the Atlantic</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GJUVZLBltwVAolnur0azepvPT5SHZmnnMQJxSgqVn0Fv4AyTa9XBx3XMKdk0NWYb62dRqAir5OsE2U-vWZ0ab5IFME25M221FSJpsKlN64038o5ByMIOw_fMIgXVXXpAG4mwTjcCpuo/s1600-h/IMG_0893.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GJUVZLBltwVAolnur0azepvPT5SHZmnnMQJxSgqVn0Fv4AyTa9XBx3XMKdk0NWYb62dRqAir5OsE2U-vWZ0ab5IFME25M221FSJpsKlN64038o5ByMIOw_fMIgXVXXpAG4mwTjcCpuo/s320/IMG_0893.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097538620585230626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That was quite a long way...</span></span><br /></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-80724505710143226062007-08-08T20:00:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:10.589+00:00Day 25: Wednesday, 8 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Harrisonburg, VA to Ashland, VA...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">[</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=harrisonburg,+va&daddr=ashland,+va&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=38.05254,-78.247035&sspn=1.619884,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="font-style: italic;">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >We're breaking more heat records today...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">121.2miles</span>, Start:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 7.00am</span>, Time:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 8</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">hr:42min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 16.3</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 13.9</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 4,363ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> Very </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Hot and Humid</span>, Temp:<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong> 76-102</strong></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">°F</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />I don't know if we're having good luck or bad luck but the weather on this tour has been hot, very hot. A couple of weeks ago in Minnesota and Wyoming we were in record breaking temperatures. We regularly hit the 100s, which for the mid-west is rare. (Conversation heard by Doug from a local old boy about the MT weather: 'Yep, it's hot, ..., it as hot as it was..., hell, it's as hot as it's ever been'!). Now we're nearly at the east coast the hot spell has moved over us again! Temperature 102 degrees, with humidity = Heat Index 110+ degrees (the temperature it feels like). My that's hot!<br /><br />So, it was already nearly 80 degrees when we mounted at 7 this morning. We had quite a long climb first thing and it was a sweaty one! No kidding, the sweat was dripping off of my handlebars at the rate of one drop a second! Ask Michael. Then the heat started kicking in and everyone was frying. It was quite funny watching the Weather Channel on the TV this morning. They were giving out 'heat advisory' warnings. Basically don't work outdoors, avoid strenuous exercise! As I said, quite funny...<br /><br />My physical condition is probably getting near it's limit. I'm definitely not recovering fully each day now. I tend to have a poor patch betwen 30 and 60 miles and then tend to pick up, but I'm certainly less strong than a week ago. I guess 26 days is a little excessive!<br /><br />The PAC Tour daily routine is now well ingrained though. This is what I do every day: <em>Alarm goes off (at some ridiculous specified hour - always 1 hour before breakfast). I have no idea which town I'm in. Kurt gets up and phaffs around doing god knows what. I doze for another 39 minutes. At the magic moment, I arise, use the bathroom, put my kit on, sun-screen up and take the bike outside. (The bikes spend the night indoors, of course). Then we have breakfast. I always have: 2 cups orange juice, 2-3 cakes of some sort, 1 bowl of porridge with a lot of brown sugar, 1 bowl of sultana bran flakes with banana + any specials that are going. After breakfast, I go back to the room and collect my bag (Kurt phaffs around a bit more) and take it to the motel truck and leave it. I then ride anywhere between 85-167 miles with 2/3/4 sag stops for refreshment and lunch. I spend an hour or two wishing the bloody hotel would appear around the next bend. When it finally does appear I congratulate myself on surviving another day. I then have to mend my bike if it's gone wrong (in the 100 degree heat of course). After showering, we go to the nearest restaurant that isn't McDonalds(TM) and eat them out of house and home. I then blog on Kurt's computer. (I could say Kurt phaffs around a bit, but he doesn't, he tends to go straight to bed). I then listen to some music on the iPod(TM), lay the kit out, turn the aircon to low and go to sleep. Then the alarm goes off (at some ridiculous specified hour - always 1 hour before breakfast)...</em><br /><br />I think everybody is looking forward to our last day in the saddle, I know I am...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096492439566368882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWv6glvRsbDt3o-R-qA9ssiISAKTBJUvOcQgnwLBYU9sm5kH_THN9S6tAv1JGuRTUtJU_v7bZQNPbsWFjh92VnxPO99AayuIsghbVv3hH2spKMOtYK4q8EPD0HBlFWguHIG454A47lS8/s320/IMG_0805.jpg" border="0" />Nobody's in a particular hurry to leave this morning...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096492452451270834" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV_ffshXQswTGOECEWrnf1fljeRyrM6878-7D3Fuis96kZDcZT3Of5ygDe9InaM3sYCgb_r1swsn9zIn1wxGFRF6T3FeSPAqY2fHwp9vPpScsrSSTpZezqxTomrGqwsTCrTDZuqZnEcQ/s320/IMG_0810.jpg" border="0" />Lots of roads like this one, today...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096492443861336210" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsyQWbO4yck6WDR1jXCLUkmwJVY2w3viXiFRUdS8qSrZ5Wxq7RGm_x472WhOAVzpu9RrG-9mGzevaL4xsbeLshmRHwVE6-kHHO2IFO4E3BvLEbtdJp7W9NSgPeHqn6INyNhG5iHxkQmg/s320/IMG_0807.jpg" border="0" />...and some pretty white churches</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096492439566368898" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuwfC6IkJlI8tenhGPB9byHvr_5WysprtjXxVNa42FGy8vU5q6s4bpI_gyvvIq-4pbB9QaHrh6AdaBuS8xnhoMCRZFLbU1Zq-pMxrI16ARzCJd6zYVjmvBUibl1qvKb2Y0XCJZ-N5BM0/s320/IMG_0806.jpg" border="0" />Devil's highway: Right at the next turn!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096492448156303522" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeFyS1UWsHC0vjtQ3pxyRYQJ9iwLuIaAX5dUVNVgYFNp224geehAKUuoOC0aSwnlRIX0Qoo-7FZNPLfwQ1b9oqJ9Boif-yQrbhPG9ZyjC3avx5mvwRGlz_CVSO4GaQiYhPVDnjCAQZFI/s320/IMG_0809.jpg" border="0" />It's my new hobby, 'sign-spotting'!<br /></span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-80904317273489304552007-08-07T20:00:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:11.230+00:00Day 24: Tuesday, 7 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Elkins, WV to Harrisonburg, VA...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=elkins,+wv&daddr=harrisonburg,+va&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=38.68701,-79.35676&sspn=0.802889,1.439209&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=10&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Lots of hills today and it was hot...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">105.8miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:23min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.2</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 12.6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 9,593ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot and humid</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 70-95</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />It was a big day today. Perhaps the biggest since the Bighorn day way back when. Certainly the hillest day of the whole tour. Plus it was hot and humid from the get go which meant that all the climbs were sweltering and I sweated profusely.<br /><br />I started out strong and hit the front over the first two mountains. Although I felt strong in the legs, the heat affected me today. Cat and Marc swept past me on the third climb and Michael passed me on the fourth climb before the first stop. I took it relatvely easy after that and enjoyed the scenery which was spectacular. The Appalachians are very nice!<br /><br />The descents today were pretty neat aswell. Several times I swept down mountains at 40mph+ and even overtook a couple of trucks on one descent and a couple of cars on the long and twisty final descent! The roads were lovely and smooth today which was good.<br /><br />After crossing into Virginia (our final state) and doing the final descent we hit some roadworks. They were tarmacing a section of the road. We were let though but could only use one side of the road as the other side was too hot. We could feel the heat from the bikes. The road following the roadworks was dead smooth as it was freshly laid tarmac. Sweet!<br /><br />As a reward this evening the crew put on a ice cream social so we all eat large amounts of ice cream before bed...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096114808861835314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLuksr8CC6wzX-WNriILKLcjk5n_-s2n4M-7pQtHTxcHID2zg30FaOp_aXE7g8-eqtOSIv25u7auFVeXcdO323xrYfEWd2kdOA8b6Ip_HOMqUE7RHhrct0WYy0X0uXTIE30DxGeqocCc/s320/IMG_0796.jpg" border="0" />Crossing the Eastern Continental Divide...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096114813156802626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFGt1M5DuHg_9UiQImeGwltehsuVjCqPbphrZvP8Qvmabrt23L3bIBMn5L0sk3XJj1E7aVK0l2cYaPmRo4QmclXiVNUKn7zXXHlrKS46kWcR8Sz-c3-a8tKWNh1PZZOKlo9agb2k3o2s/s320/IMG_0800.jpg" border="0" />German Valley from the second rest stop</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096114813156802642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P0BzlA6_r7lLihoWvUJLiTkeGfvzE-hL-EfxuEAVZ5QBvn6aI0a1lxBAE-RDEdqqaN2j_MuXvSVFKYW4VnAe8-bbrP4cmYLiIsIGNJ5JGfNOb6KZXjH_l_5Iy0bx2Z6ZfTfngy_wYuc/s320/IMG_0802.jpg" border="0" />Near the top of the final climb...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096114813156802658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzSb_IWvmDi9JI85iDNEniOEIi6-evAWyq58eYu-o4HpAUR6mCKq9DpKZYUrZEzyRQBbjZxLOQmMpo_m7sJdenH6ynQh5FchM9sgI7vIhFigDmmMYI5CTOBwD3Quy9F_ejVe8BPH8_tk/s320/IMG_0804.jpg" border="0" />Kurt and me at the Virginia border<br /></span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-23651175897265355492007-08-06T20:40:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:12.493+00:00Day 23: Monday, 6 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Athens, OH to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Elkins</span>, WV...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=athens,+oh&daddr=elkins,+wv&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=39.13006,-80.974731&sspn=1.595752,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#990000;">Last silly mileage day today. Yahoo!</span></em><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">156.0miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 10</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:57min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.2</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7,014ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Rain AM, Cloudy and Hot PM</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 75-89</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Well, that's the final very long mileage day over! It was meant to be 165 miles but by staying on the main roads we saved 9 miles. This was good in the obvious way, but not so good in other ways. I felt we spent too long on Route 50 and Route 33 (both four lane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hiways</span>) and I was feeling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lethargic</span> for the time on the 50. Once we were off it, though, things picked up as we followed a very scenic wooded valley. After that, it went downhill (the road went up and down hill of course!) as the 33 was quite busy and after the last sag, the shoulder was the worst we've had on this trip. Result, a puncture fest for everybody!<br /><br />We set out a little late this morning, as it was pouring with rain and the sun hadn't woken up by the time of our original departure. The rain was very heavy for about 2 hours, but it was already warm and humid. I don't think it got below 75 degrees last night. As I said, I wasn't feeling too good on the early main roads, but for some reason my energy levels picked up after lunch!<br /><br />Took an obligatory picture at the West Virginia state border. We've only got WV and Virginia to go now! In fact we've got about 300 miles left. Problem is, there is a mountain range between us and the coast! So, the riding is far from over...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095757794000322514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ221MlVr9gBxxf1Me3mA11Erll40spkQfwXkwCkhXL4BcFswl0ZjShOShsNvqyYqh8XWLMhO17QSBNvMzWb-XKQkI3QeEQfty4p2Eps9pE8LhrFjbTL_-GScntWFqtbLH2077ezXkBII/s320/IMG_0787.jpg" border="0" />Approaching West Virginia...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095757794000322530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4x8OkjzpE17Iz4iLgcwThmo7ybzw-K1Gl1H46gYXTS2PIkqNf89gb9yKDzcWZw3hYXxnS-v13JzKuOx8GAg0uV3EfMq8UJkQ5x8HlHoQD22U6C4D0EyKkPw4l9g5YXQvdXq0JBj7i-Zw/s320/IMG_0788.jpg" border="0" />Difficult to get the bike near the sign.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095757798295289842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLtv9-gpswUs-ALM0adE7k2Y-XKGkd2EIu87Z1nflGgz6xAgYNwxJC7O9C_f2TuycoXBGbr5c0DhK-53upj6fUlFCHB4AAnsPKzNlmo-wT6CTEWqdtO3witKJdCNXWC2HXZjreZBMRQ4/s320/IMG_0789.jpg" border="0" />Once we were off the main road it looked liked this...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095757802590257154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TSnamtjlAc2YBMVckVy0aFvcCP9YTNB6JzcqVRv9dxCJZQScRSJsTgGSi7ZodFCLSx2WMfIp5uukBFvQmnYbIBXMwBFiHhyBUla3WztguZMMTzBBBnYRi77TXcnj8yjYpI8Z_OtKu9A/s320/IMG_0791.jpg" border="0" />Wildlife</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095757806885224466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7TcCe2gdKhCbB7ENaM4oaENpH-_N2Cv9KvEGFtuDqv3ZhzP8dGBeftBys8PICkEMltH1MABNSJcIjyyGgMpdHxPT-T7W3KweZAVOzyXs6PNYLiB2YDnAzxMx3KqG_1kbaixfoeH0M0o/s320/IMG_0792.jpg" border="0" />So near you can nearly smell the ocean!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095757961504047138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I5oYnIjrxWztAGs19EqN4dnZ0MbkDf384z8jYkf3bbZm6Qi7ETyBSzH3JRwVtVfLICmgkmR_N-HRp6SQibrw90bpydiQxyqNJau4nAlTMVzWi2CQufa7ujQKggaOk0sugHuHfTTXSds/s320/IMG_0793.jpg" border="0" />Road rash entering the yucky, sticky phase...</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-31763582921168297862007-08-05T20:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:12.954+00:00Day 22: Sunday, 5 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Troy, OH to Athens, OH...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">[</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=troy,+oh&daddr=athens,+oh&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=39.68394,-83.155518&sspn=1.583129,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="font-style: italic;">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >We are finally out of the fricking corn and soya...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">153.0miles</span>, Start:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 10</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">hr:25min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 16.7</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 14.7</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 3,024ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Rain</span>, Temp: <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong>65-75</strong></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">°F</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Felt a bit sore this morning, following my tumble yesterday, but, with my wounds done up like a cycling pro I made the start line of today's stage and took my place in the peleton. We were on our second day in Ohio and were promised we would be out of the corn and into the hills again by the afternoon! Yes!<br /><br />The weather has turned aswell today. It was overcast at breakfast and the rains started during the morning. Quite heavy and persistent until lunch. Approaching lunch in Circleville it came down hard. So hard, the main street was getting flooded. I missed the left turn to lunch as I couldn't see anything! Found it eventually after backtracking a couple of blocks.<br /><br />After lunch we rode though a lovely wooded area (Hocks Hills?) and the road became more and more lumpy from there until the finish in Athens. Michael and I enjoyed the hills together again but backed off after a while as we've got a long day tomorrow with more of the same hills.<br /><br />My wounds didn't really enjoy 10 hours in the rain so it may be a difficult sleep tonight...<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095384380953673650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTtUQVabl-L7aeLdtOF5VFS9vkZ3Wca1Q4mpdwHRVjKxvpnpFqUpRkEJH5yBsaDzc-FYQb7XHCO3IdLa_GnGXO5UyPsDMX16nXkutnds9hFcyCEXAhWa55b-gbqT-oGiTlOpa_qXN1R4/s320/IMG_0784.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Sag stop in the rain - a rare sight of this tour...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095384385248640962" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ocr80xb83mHqnSgwu5E-KijNu8_7-kPFbNXJ2Efm8ElhUFvndAFeHhYVr5JrH1G2c8xPAIOw3PBLcK_HkLkQRHi8V32W6YAAmRCE23c5y2QKwUADBM12Ljh7VMezhZGnp-c9teromF8/s320/IMG_0786.jpg" border="0" />Gentlemans at the front, the Ladies is a few rows in...</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-20063046423129883232007-08-05T20:15:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:14.555+00:00Day 21: Saturday, 4 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Wabash, IN to Troy, OH...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=wabash,+in&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=troy,+oh&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=40.417678,-84.990234&sspn=1.56618,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:85%;" >Split some blood today... but I'm OK + great party in the evening!</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">130.5miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 9</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:01min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 17.1</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.5</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 967ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> Sunny and pleasant</span>, Temp:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> 57-85</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span></strong><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Today was a bit of a boring day, so I decided to liven things up by falling off by bike! Hey! I'd been doing my nut in during the morning, as the flat roads and miles and miles of soya and corn were begining to wear a little thin.<br /><br />We had a coolish morning start, the coldest so far - probably late 50's - so 'frigid'. Well, at least Hooker thought so (see photo). I of course thought it was still warm, so continued in my usual shorts and short-sleeved shirt. I also finally got a reasonable long distance short of an Amish buggy! We also crossed into Ohio today, so another photo job. That was about it until after lunch...<br /><br />We were only just a few miles out from lunch when I ran into the back of Andrew's wheel and took a tumble. (As I said to Jon later that day when he asked 'How did you fall?'. 'Why, straight down, Jon!'). I was a bit unlucky actually, as I landed on a gravel drive with nice grass banks either side. Oh well. I've got some 'road rash' on my right ankle, calf, knee and thigh. Not too bad though and it won't stop me riding!<br /><br />In the evening we all went to a BBQ party in Troy laid on by the Ohio Boys (Dan and Doug). It was also a bit of a sad occasion as Dan has had to leave the tour because of work commitments. He's a turkey farmer and the heat has become critical to the current flock. So sad really as Dan is a top bloke! Anyway, we drank a couple of beers and eat the excellent food. Being the revellers that we are, Kurt and myself were nearly the last to leave, but were still back at the hotel by 8.30pm. Now, that's partying!...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095377972862467906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZe3sxm-vupxZ4NUGL9ynAxQtl3Po8XeJueML53Y9NDThS1aEwK0shiQ1OWG4-S7xC5609GW4dvAmuLGyRIp55IRxc9zDDeNzqinaJpttMOmh2mVsgZxPEigi9NSZfcGNOiKy39zOk20/s320/IMG_0762.jpg" border="0" />Hooker thinks it's cold this morning...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095377977157435218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKtQ4Gv2gac3KgfUcPwVTFFQ8N-LssjkMPBxI8S7Jiw77cEV2yv_iLGLl7hsgERj1LACIwPArYcMCxOf1BDpNtAgqyhMrs05A8VdNEBxDCAVt3fZJk01F1tJ0X1wOjviiaplyYVlisLg/s320/IMG_0764.jpg" border="0" />Doug (left) and Dan - The Ohio Boys!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095377977157435234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13JJEVooKOCkzyaAeAWljo8P6V72uz6txGqv44jxEUKIICGdlrkCBrYwM1YvLLBOgwnBbqe4VbBaIMCSGBimyabQizE5EcGlqVCI3jhyRRJTx2rlV4IyUcv8yXoe9_ymeOl86ZT711Yc/s320/IMG_0767.jpg" border="0" />Amish buggy (from a distance and later cropped)</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095377981452402546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkVUBftV2X5JZMY_FelVuSMy4GRESyFWfb5LuMS4bicHlkcOl9qX8A15hgZlh8RSYfRc_Pp6lLEzuHmGLuE2Ce24Xzr9bHGMSMlxcSIb0ObXzKIL0LRvYye-xOw8YSkzMYFDPLMJXjDQ/s320/IMG_0768.jpg" border="0" />Another border</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095378380884361090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uOzst2yDihyTppKYuTEj238j5Ebm8hiV9Qpa4fLH42sp-CMLMZdJOxgybR1EMFe259vnLoVN0Uk4p96HbGGou_LpgdRwBOS63UxUxgUn3f3bjwqpEjBHhxM5SauwFzHP0k4sB_9GxL8/s320/IMG_0770.jpg" border="0" />Cushty!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095378385179328402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaDGnAjfqSyKDPgNjN6uf2z6x7VKMtd99KwWk4XTG_xrkuZr6N2jlo_vLZz2kwI9EM-IWEOEXGHlepaQsWJ8LTZkHgOXxZ9k2GYWKxGVgQS2fh-LaxqMFQRuGYxyElD6v8NyKY91Mw8s/s320/IMG_0774.jpg" border="0" />At the party...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095378385179328418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9hTtyTSJpxY6SEm2x-3KHWi0rtULmklIPOAG60kAHA7-jD1KGCU0kzsHx8ACi2o3SDvwOemRVuAhQzhoMUGdOjQZ10YY7O56vmZIqjmFXq_fcJqaHxph67rqcM_UMhZiX36G2GoHCYo/s320/IMG_0777.jpg" border="0" />Dan and his wife Shauna (sorry if spelling is dodgy)</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-86501292780353511872007-08-03T21:00:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:15.060+00:00Day 20: Friday, 3 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Dwight, IL to Wabash, IN...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=dwight,+il&daddr=wabash,+in&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=40.925965,-87.124329&sspn=1.554287,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0); FONT-STYLE: italic"></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#990000;">Well, that was flatter than a flat pancake...</span></em><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">166.7miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 10</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:11min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 19.0</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 869ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> Sunny but not too hot</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 62-87</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Potentially, today was to have been a nasty day - 167miles on a flat road. Luckily, the wind wasn't playing silly buggers and we had very light winds from the north west. This made the day relatively pleasant and everybody made pretty good progress. Pacelines were again the order of the day and the groups I played with managed 20mph for a lot of the day!<br /><br />It was an early start though, with an alarm at 4.30am! We were on the road by 6am. Another sunny day, but quite cool to start with and not quite so humid as previous days. I rode the first stage with Lon on his single-speed bike.<br /><br />We got buzzed by a plane during the morning, sort of North by Northwest style. It landed in the field next to the road. At first I thought it going to land on the road in front of us!<br /><br />I felt strong today, so the bad day turned into a good day - only 10 hours on the bike! Thanks to Michael, Andrew and Jim (and earlier Dan) for the pacing. We lost an hour tonight as we changed over to Eastern time, so we've an hour less sleep time available. I feel another 'rest' day coming on...<br /><br />We've also got a party to go to tomorrow evening!...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094646819104833298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEm3qRbBZQj89qAwCzgVurP1CvYeTYaeK1poiax7X7jm1LZTcBw4N972envAFNbLPNmBucejHMnJA0R417Qdep9RPVqDT7OFGdHHRLSSKQdgN8FgWsnuHDAtAoC4j8LyWc50q_u_y2iQ/s320/IMG_0757.jpg" border="0" />It's still dark outside this morning... Oh dear</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094646827694767906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi_YJQEQryS0zLwqLbXd76ekVn4Oqty9kozs_RPe5P8TIgOyHfumbfKiOWXGOU0Pl6j4H98YG1EgsOgEwrC7N_oQGp1PTaTjBMMp2RB_Zj8ZRYObBQGrzhLzuZBFDDJ4Bxu6mY-V1F5k/s320/IMG_0759.jpg" border="0" />Lon on his single speed</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094646827694767922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1shd2V0wPfoZpq7Qzx3CYTEdcAxKRbkG-xebbVQ4UHDeEcaOF1U5qRKWRAOa4-YcPJ9SNHJEaVJEqiCKp97qCvFNoy6T81Q08jlVsVakonA1xkN65FVJhDjxxcoFr7GuUSebXDdWKsVY/s320/IMG_0760.jpg" border="0" />The plane that buzzed us this morning</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-9585993209097481482007-08-03T19:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:15.977+00:00Day 19: Thursday, 2 August<span style="font-size:130%;">South Benoit, IL to Dwight, IL...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=south+beloit,+il&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=dwight,+il&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=41.79384,-88.739319&sspn=1.533699,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#990000;">Resting today, but it was very hot again...</span></em><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">133.7miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 9</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:37min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 13.9</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 1,820ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot and sunny and humid</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 65-95</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Another sauna this morning. It's unbelieveable. A bit of a 'rest' day today, not much doing. Just rolling through acres and acres of corn and soya...<br /><br />We had a nice ride on a cycle path away from the traffic for a while. It was tree-lined aswell. I was pretty tired today after the efforts of the last two days, so I took it quite easy. Even managed to find a hose-spray in a park to cool down with at the first sag stop.<br /><br />We crossed the Illinois river on an old looking bridge. That was kind of scary after the events in Minneapolis, but we got across safely. We had a nice surprise coming into Dwight, we hooked up with the historic Route 66 and I actually got to ride on a small section of very old road. Cool.<br /><br />It could be a hard day tomorrow so that's it for now.<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094636257780252354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdCgKrufWcu2AVfECB6UIh9IIghEpsh3XcCYZKpyieW5i5J1cCH6cbgXMpUhT04y-JDxZrx97mOQd_7Q6URJpza3EjvnTIZ2jbP5y1EoSweTGIvBJtN-QCA0z8AFlh9mXLm-kxUebQPE/s320/IMG_0739.jpg" border="0" />On the cycle path</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094636262075219666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha77nO32MojwwKN5PYskDAfSyQ1LzlcCaefp2NM_tSEpww6zNdtbRjz7Vuak7rwHMrDXB4lX6sm5x41q-1ga1pzFqId5U0qQpjUoAsj2HsbfszawZjR3SwWkUstUWd9UeK9lrYOUYmOJ0/s320/IMG_0740.jpg" border="0" />Shaun cooling off!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094636266370186978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52HyWf8E1fE9ytrDabS5io_m57ZCK0tef1JWwEi9pGdz41pnJWS6PE0ZMvCF-nrnnndkOioawqlh5dsnfmQNuZqT9IA9IBYha6YsdnaV0nlkoPnfGdnSB1sMZoVO7JtgH6WyXjDmaWJU/s320/IMG_0747.jpg" border="0" />Crossing the Illinois</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094636270665154290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30F-ttf9aD3zPFTPFIN83NzIUlotRGKebgDCFdxvo26g-tywbAObEvVOuer65XKA0_EXOpPTIORceAadqwu_FUXN61K4B0G3LvfkOdpbqFIHNV1ZjWx7fxnXx85wR_n02iTEWFe2wWDU/s320/IMG_0753.jpg" border="0" />Route 66 - cool!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094636274960121602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1VIZCOc9l4DLgyVoeAWdi1014lOQdc5FfodRjEcHlWxhyOGteDzjQ8a4QDFWkvTN3UOVZJWcbSW7O1XsyqPwnjy9i5Yw0BSDsh-bD6wGiVxj6vnHQA3Oct4i7MzBsx_U6mKPkm4LVug/s320/IMG_0755.jpg" border="0" />(very) Old Route 66</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-2198866772592676422007-08-01T20:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:16.874+00:00Day 18: Wednesday, 1 August<span style="font-size:130%;">Praire Du Chien, WI to South Benoit, IL...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=prairie+du+chien,+wi&daddr=south+beloit,+il&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=42.771211,-90.057678&sspn=1.510093,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Sweatier than a sweaty sauna...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">144.5miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 9</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:36min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 15.1</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6,197ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot and very humid</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 68-92</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Well, that's the most sweat I've dropped in a day! It was super-humid today - you think England is humid during the hot spells - well it isn't, it's arid. Rolled out at 7am and by 7:30am I was dripping. My legs were glistening (and looking rather fetching). My jersey was soaked, my suncream was in my eyes.<br /><br />Today was also billed as quite a tough day of rolling hills in Wisconsin. As it turned out I steamed it. I felt good all day and felt more at home in the hills than the flatland of the last few days. Spent most of the day with Michael and Kerin. Both were also feeling strong and up for a fast ride. Wahey! We rode the rollercoasters pretty well, gaining lots of momentum from the downhills to use on the uphills. Pretty nice traffic free roads today were also a bonus.<br /><br />After lunch, Michael and I pushed on, we were on the hunt for Kurt, but he was on a mission and we never saw him until the finish. Damn, that guy is strong. The field was pretty strung out today.<br /><br />Sorry, light on pictures today, we were too busy chewing tarmac...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093887378692587154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQaYBMKMRoMXoZXnDfis0XJ2Venr37pPDY2H-6TI5Zy1UNXqo1uiwDcECU5Z39o6ECQTyA6MmAUVfOKpB0Aw0QBk70JxvjlNyzPvKW_l5NbfLUsUhFuXyUStp_GELu67aHdbwS3K_1wk/s320/IMG_0736.jpg" border="0" />Ahh... cute... only 30 months til slaughter day.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093887696520167074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucdiVBVLia6pxXrOTbHatjKttbXFjios4EOSysv8ZBLXKtVpNrsk9Y87WRA7tRd5eEnXkQCDZD5eAoeGnWoaQxOQhmt-jFqOQk0Y_yVNoDcrvP8VqLYNb5tLmjO_nPTEf6o9NkBblso8/s320/IMG_0737.jpg" border="0" />Nice mural.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093888100247092914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbkIyvB4Fd20SvVvxIc9L485L9HyBfwF5UWsMHvN99R8k1GxV86VtSKvN-mZj0fEk0cTxTZj71MblPenWQYBEH0fu5xDelFCR844O-qnLkuOPJ-1lNe7zPtGrYJ5H4E3qpBDGKRnVXH8/s320/IMG_0738.jpg" border="0" />Tee hee hee.</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-38838830478634088102007-07-31T19:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:18.601+00:00Day 17: Tuesday, 31 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Austin, MN to Praire Du Chien, WI...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=austin,+mn&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=prairie+du+chien,+wi&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=43.504737,-92.010498&sspn=1.492087,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:85%;" >I'm back and it feels good!</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">135.0miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 9</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:19min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.5</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 2,335ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> Sunny and quite humid</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 64-86</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Knocked out a quick 135 miles today. I'm back and it feels good! I took it quite easy during the day, but still managed to ease myslf near to the front. My two days rest sure helped my general physical state, aswell as fixing my dodgy calf.<br /><br />It was quite a nice stage today. The early section was reminisicent of Southern England. I felt right at home, apart from the fact I was riding on the wrong side of the road and sweating profusely at 7:30am. We've still got a slight headwind, though. Prevaling westerly winds my bottom...<br /><br />Highlight today was crossing the Mississippi river at the end of the day. This is the metaphorical dividing line between Western and Eastern America. We had great views of the river from the arched bridge into Prairie Du Chein, our overnight stop. There was even a Mississippi river boat moored on one shore!<br /><br />All in all, a nice day, and I'm glad to be back in the saddle!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526021619138050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW5167Jls2GOwdleojtHKper67wxC7Dlv_9XyXPAjeb9cj0OpiIqWbreHzYGnoGCwd9aPf8-Ez_3gB0_mxZZtZIi1uShJg8gK7gph7OTNMmw8P2m0Kegrk_7vJ21PU-5VlfgGO97H8Yw/s320/IMG_0722.jpg" border="0" />Early one morning just as the sun was rising...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526021619138066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA2eoraUNVImm_Pf0Dn95Pfp5FqSgaIcDqX8bdJpWln6XPo-RsXcjOtsua9dKKavZ7WdU27JIFWMh6DTc0zWucaOhHuZEipTm_BjDx1xqmAWeRpPe6knwQ6SjxhAUaW9qj7d8Gx15pnk/s320/IMG_0723.jpg" border="0" />We'll mostly be seeing a lot of this - corn...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526025914105378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9aJwPJ_VGYDpEHg1AwWK9G4g4LXISi1IOKC6lBU3JlQrEggLsZclab8PkoeAlpqNvy9CV4Olk8SBlUVx9ZPk6MikmFAPLt_B_QDf8qsH38xD1XmGj1EUhVYwmgdRKvivLYM5r3XRhdw/s320/IMG_0724.jpg" border="0" />...and this - soya bean.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526025914105394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE45_8GdxB8GeBhws6gZhy0gKlzh7twpg9ktQOjQ6E44G43jP24qUttdmbkesUXaE04Tinh8WyKfKHB_XNbnrXxoA7XNuN-8uDRTnC6z5XbQ31oU6B2Z3YsjT7ZhSK8aTT3h2yIXTDVw/s320/IMG_0725.jpg" border="0" />Another state change</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526030209072706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR910FIEI9vXZlfwSyLsdy-Im5ijprRIIL9-0SHd9wkPwFbtZXRPkqUclR4BXLzUa-lrLLoaFYd57hyphenhyphenjESqZ4_hDmWAW5jncHVn3DQW9xfROojiTueSjHaGwfUf1Ofw9K0jvz49Lqz4I/s320/IMG_0727.jpg" border="0" />Continuing the everything in America is big theme...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526365216521810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAHgS3vxspf2v6OupHqOQ5rSF09BzD-Y17tcsbgNcQT2-qAPxlS8ai7_CqKmAq-iT8m2lpJ3WXoJhfqAVDUtBfnzoQIig5e4mz-8ANxVFYhwW75lR-fqjU98_rHFgMlqP0c_WEkdJpNI/s320/IMG_0728.jpg" border="0" />Amish buggy. I was so excited I fluffed the shot!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526369511489122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYCvSrkRGt-7Rf8JVDVWoxuDK_LL0pDY74R57Ku8UsTPTTzae_oBkRzmBO-WZm7b-n1qYsUAjZNH0XyK8ymYg8bG3RhzAJqElzCw-p2o5mPC1MKJT_mXx1fkRv5j5lk9ttz0ajVmOxX0/s320/IMG_0729.jpg" border="0" />Another One!...Oh Bugger...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526369511489138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoEdV5-9JQBXwuSvCpVFlcvH_1xJlz-BmoDVn59mW52PajFcAyODLGMlG7MuMrlj40WkJWx0eBJju6MurC2C5SDuqe_8SlEsEqBw0Hkk8SVAI9C2ZWJO-XVqF_QetaY_n6wbZozEDa4I/s320/IMG_0733.jpg" border="0" />Me at the Mississippi</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093526373806456450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZyg0qFwjXIcnl1Gb39FYE7Aa46kNiP0jKkQZbMriSFhNzJ_VDMWTfDMcCf-1t3F6h8qv77yihzO_tQkivfFDo5bq7hCykh7Z_-peUYOwuIq5Yuj0jN_6qN77cGOfc4ekA7nyiv6GIZQ/s320/IMG_0735.jpg" border="0" />Another state - are we moving or what!</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-70158399132160253272007-07-30T17:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:19.245+00:00Day 16: Monday, 30 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Worthington, MN to Austin, MN...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=worthington,+MN&daddr=austin,+mn&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=43.661911,-94.298401&sspn=1.488197,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:85%;" >Another day in the van - it's exhausting + I'm a radio star...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">zero miles</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> Sunny, quite humid</span>, Temp:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> 70-88</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span></strong><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />(For my fans, by popular request, I've added photos to yesterday's entry...)<br /><br />Made the tough decision that the calf hasn't quite healed enough to take 143 miles, so I'm in the van again today. Actually, I was in a car... no several cars during the day. Steve (with me yesterday) tried out his leg but stopped after 20 miles. Hope we're both better tomorrow. I was joined today by Jerry who has a boil on his...err...he can't sit on his saddle. We had Rebecca's (Lon's daughter) Jetta today, so in theory we had a bit of freedom, but the day didn't turn out that way...<br /><br />We found some roadworks near Jackson that we couldn't get the riders through, so we were looking for a detour. First option was a 20 mile detour - vetoed, too long. Next Susan (tour director) tried the police to see if we could use the I-90 - vetoed as 'too dangerous' by the cops. (Although we've been riding I-90, further west, we're not allowed to in Minnesota, even though the I-90 is relatively traffic free with a good shoulder). So the only choice was to roll the riders down a busy road (more dangerous than the I-90 - smacks forehead) and let them criss-cross to Jackson on a minor road.<br /><br />We set up the first sag stop at a John Deere Tractor dealer. There were some rather big machines on display and some fun pictures were taken.<br /><br />Jerry wanted a sleep and asked me to drive, but I had to disappoint him, I didn't have my driving licence on me, and I didn't want to run the risk of being carted off to the local jail, or Guantanamo, or something... (Although, I'm sure all my readers would mount a vociferous campaign for my release!). We pretty much followed the riders from then on in. I waved a lot and shouted (encouragement) a lot. So, much so, I needed a double cheeseburger and two puddings for lunch at Blue Earth to compensate.<br /><br />I also became a radio star! A reporter popped up and started interviewing Lon (tour director) about the tour. He then interviewed me, because I was a Brit! I gave such a good account of myself, I'm sure it'll be on all the majors later today... or maybe just Blue Earth local radio - KZWY (or something).<br /><br />I hitched another lift as Jon wanted to go and P in the road... (Mark the road with Pactour arrows for the riders to follow diversions, that is). After ice-creams (life is tough) I got to the finish first. My second first place!<br /><br />What, ... using cars doesn't count? Damn.<br /><br />ps: Should be back on the bike tomorrow...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093128230338117090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsh3wUHer0hXrUVnlLmF7gZcVES09jR0M_v7BwC9h8b_UMFplQa407FP_IA5z1vdeFRq9f_UHRAVYx_6q_DsYi5xCZsFHGtRoQGcvI1ap5z-h1qeR531Y_XBQSRnNmGKlqrSa1CJbVX0/s320/IMG_0720.jpg" border="0" />First sag at the tractor dealers...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093128234633084402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGD_9-uCgIPbM7nPxNDePZx5Am07QpwM0ikF5NFxLTS_UnKBGfyIs4uRLlx46Ai6fWtTcfU7RKBNllNFIJmW9Jx13fTRBQr2HeFBMcylZZm61m2Eta4vd-DqINC6MA1kQ2dZSOLXHPWA/s320/IMG_0721.jpg" border="0" />Just after making the first down payment on my new toy...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(or: Shaun's suggestion for cutting though the M25 jams...)</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(or: @ the Ohio Boys - Mine is bigger than yours!)</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093128217453215170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFERMS3hDqHHG8PoUd-0OCNzEOxqKhCpWB42QdgFXoqmYGb31tJ0aXOQ3OztQcBJa_0BjytIr8GDN-17uGkfKtuI2-IUkzbji3LhZ5PfD0kGTmowIN6ZUPfu3cMbEF-y6GpksQZuHI3E/s320/IMG_0704.jpg" border="0" />The calm before the storm - mid-morning snacks...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093128221748182482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLzi-iLmVcEfi3Sjwhkz_OtgJqIf1ANU1H14ijfD51B67u_Xb-OzuLuiik5fUn7pMYcPrDB8wwPSc3j1wTP_sFgH0tNMdOiSbRoNOF6mr1YNycqeTfoUgdd0_C6qAP6MdUlni0AnwCVM/s320/IMG_0718.jpg" border="0" />Route 66 custom number plate on van.</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-1423525678021680512007-07-29T20:00:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:19.975+00:00Day 15: Sunday, 29 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Mitchell, SD to Worthington, MN...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=mitchell,+sd&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=worthington,+MN&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=43.653963,-96.82251&sspn=1.488394,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">It's rather boring in the van...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> nil/zero/zulch </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">miles</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Sunny and quite hot</span>, Temp:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> 70-86</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span></strong><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Decided to ride in the van today. My first day off in 2 weeks of riding! The calf is a bit sore, but I'm hoping it's not too serious. I think I've got a small tear deep in the middle of the calf. It feels OK just walking around so there's hope.<br /><br />It was rather strange at breakfast being in 'civvies'. Steve from Australia was also resting after he pulled a quad so we stayed together during the day riding in the motel van with Lon. We offered help where we could at the controls, putting out food, ice and bike racks. It was a day to take those unusual pictures youu don't have time to take whilst riding. It wasn't that relaxing though, so it was good to get back to the hotel mid-afternoon.<br /><br />After a shower, I mended some punctures and listened to the iPod, waiting for the others to return. Everybody seemed to have a good day, although there was 5 miles of gravelled roadworks to negoitate.<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll be back on the bike tomorrow, although I'm not afraid to take another day off, if required, as there is still a lot of riding left to do!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093117827927326114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJlJO9jrCHbUkOz0gflgZZejwvtK1cOFH-feEciYs4bQrviwUX8cPeKePG-5Klzw_Q0ghpgQW3-ywNyQt4zLLKRQmM1BzNsz8NxIKV3ouk_5XoWRr2NPlmPMdzODW8wtUjrN170V8pro/s320/IMG_0695.jpg" border="0" />Seven takes a day off. (It's not impressed)</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093117819337391490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVUigSMxskvUtQyopRW72U2Wha2CBLr_YKf1wklRHywyY8WJAUIiwkgOi__WyHtkhWxklfUIzQMH_sl-AHZiS68qbdF3OUJqIl6VBg_t4Im6oY_M6YQ4UXvyMyPZyLnfWrx_Q-jCMyb4/s320/IMG_0685.jpg" border="0" />LtoR: Will, Gerry, Peter, John, Woody, Joe('s back), Robert</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093117823632358802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o4BSHeQqwEhAM-WixY254wqk-5rg06Z300p77eM5Yp1V_XpTR9BBuUxny8qXxubRU98YDkuM_SkmV8ZB7ZicSwc7BdmLvWEv8bmfZbdMIyQV6Bs0ty32jrb8_Pf1VHnjmL3zCRGRYEY/s320/IMG_0692.jpg" border="0" />Funny signs on van door</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093117832222293426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhJVTqSYcYSJVmmLWqnYdPXhSw_-oKMT89VI7QJt0fbuHgne-aLo69R8Y2QfqdIkSXQv-rfJjfWWe4eZFJbALxjX8pBiMPN_GrkrS3YqsoT0xN8s9_pKbIJWaPLx703Mez2zApmgI-tg/s320/IMG_0697.jpg" border="0" />Everybody's first port of call at a stop!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093117402725563762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPPNuktQVChG4JMDr5WiTeOqh4OR7qbfz9eHGrzjOL75Frd2PXWnVrVjHRtXu3xDEx2gg5ZcLz5J79BYjBBjl8Imam35HciHy70oDUW7f23MLlxO0lZTubCF9TM4rp5-0ZSnIYgirUwY/s320/IMG_0679.jpg" border="0" />Kurt, my room-mate. Not as scary as he looks...</span></em><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-size:85%;" ></span></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-69087014083659002942007-07-29T19:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:20.341+00:00Day 14: Saturday, 28 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Murdo, SD to Mitchell, SD...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=murdo,+sd&daddr=mitchell,sd&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=43.800836,-99.371338&sspn=1.484749,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Caught an injury today unfortunately...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">82.6miles (to lunch)</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:39min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.1</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">12.4mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 1,358ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Sunny, comfortable</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 65-85</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Didn't feel too good starting out today. Maybe yesterday took more out of me than I thought. My legs were pretty dead setting off. We also started out on the same boring road we came in on yesterday. The wind was still against aswell. I struggled.<br /><br />Then I gradually pulled a muscle in my calf. Now, most injuries gained on this tour, you know you can ride though. I thought the same with this calf pull aswell. So, I kept riding. This turned out not to be the correct move this time, as the calf got worse during the morning. I finally had to call it a day at lunch and catch a lift to the hotel, so as to limit the damage.<br /><br />I'm resting up this evening, after having a massage and ice. I'll have to see what it's like in the morning, but I think I might need a day off. Might not be a bad thing anyway. This tour is hard and quite a few people have already had a 'holiday'.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092772491081891154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7voosEtWMbUOQ4mJQ9Et_RgyAGe7yFvXWWk-4PkEFXc9s8zNmWixnZHXFNEFO-qrc3CjPXOmKrI7CFmV4oNmbz_s5CCIjhC8uAV0o8vXrRXYMoRKMCeoDnIocnoy_tlnh2uNL98T41Q/s320/IMG_0675.jpg" border="0" />Missouri River.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092772495376858466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCRCe1ZP_Rglq5fR9b_QFpBqK5mNKmRPXuo7oM-dMDr24CD9gwenH4d4Yka9YHqlvVfKcDYvmO0OW2Cb6_K4zSUdrAb8uJTxNtmpAH_3XQq2PLHFup-M8_689TRiRfbekNTNZ5_XdXIY/s320/IMG_0676.jpg" border="0" />Old Bridge across the Missouri</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-73793286164553607182007-07-27T20:00:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:21.543+00:00Day 13: Friday, 27 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Rapid City, SD to Murdo, SD...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=rapid+city,+sd&daddr=murdo,+sd&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=43.977005,-101.972351&sspn=1.480365,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Good day in the Badlands...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">147.7miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 10</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:00min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 2,788ft</span>,<br />Weather:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> Sunny and comfortable</span></strong>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 68-85</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Highlight of the trip for me so far - The Badlands. Really weird scenery. See the photos below. Extraordinary sediment rocks formations, eroded by the wind. I assume this area must have been underwater a long time ago. Bear in mind that it's at 3000ft!<br /><br />For the ride, we had headwinds the whole way today, so pace-lining was the way to go. Caught a fast long train early on and made good time to the first control. We formed several alliances thoughout the day to defeat the wind. It meant the difference between riding at 14mph as opposed to 18mph - the effect of draughting is that great.<br /><br />I was feeling pretty good today and came in with the first group!<br /><div align="center"><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092045847039917298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eR8kDMfuqoffZpaCL0yUdw1A-BwYvbsXNFMpZISjXjgcsqY8ZESnsg08n9Hhx3VlAK-jp0CJI3Pymd83gsTxxAp3AwUfEzdzxqW3f7MxHzpmNGjtSgln8WKy_zrkv2xZVFH5YSnh1pA/s320/IMG_0635.jpg" border="0" />Headwind + Paceline = No problem.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092045851334884610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn37utE1MGwFy8cYel6NFQ9Cl1KBuaa1CXxIpMhttvoWWl7ex5eBRx6Bo3fS18T11uVgs41LN9Q8gp8RF_42lrnRfuEdUG0u_HyMzXL7Lbv-svV574ic3gxssJWWslo_A03YOwR0xfHU/s320/IMG_0637.jpg" border="0" />WTF?</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092045851334884626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp2H5hnZZfMSABjii1Ay1YMIVU8K0Bt9d4eZCMPKTw4tY1zg2gPfAcjjV70BhQ8vfzGx_ATE_3-zNg4-w_LClNolaOVJKQgozySUY3FvHLmnFDYeo1KBb56Oqxz9T7oMT80HIOfcdZh8/s320/IMG_0654.jpg" border="0" />We have to pay? Whose got some money?</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092045859924819234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc36ZZRN0i0TBF0-xQ25Bcx0WYtL6w61tiCUEzs3fhfl80hWp4DZ1YJBAScDm2xzAPZOZ6iK8vhvrZxCEqP9WGBMebU6XPQglTicepFfjvXeNn14QfTM5NH0nTPvHu1f_D8ktXqHobs0/s320/IMG_0657.jpg" border="0" />View from lunch stop</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092045859924819250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPVeYnCmrmwoCExvvdCwNJHEITL9SVs4xNBuXrfXY8B-0wXDU9kE8f1gsB9nrmE9vH-C3eG510CMHpD3uWq-bgdT62n5sk14alxDktZFVxZ45QcFMVRfFjVupfysCq0ZuyPApF-69mqY/s320/IMG_0666.jpg" border="0" />Cedar Pass in the Badlands</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092045954414099778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEd3DDTeW8fp-Faq1aAeZayRiNzS7Nd377OiEophrjOKIwTSfiLGAFJtV2nqWlqeIdEWnAaZbIpo-lBpWRQX2pfgAMsvg7GmrVoWCGDuH-qFsKKMCn5Mdo-_BeEmLoKVUsdWGHIMUcbZk/s320/IMG_0670.jpg" border="0" />Stunning</span></em> </div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-55399679422607011642007-07-26T20:30:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:22.924+00:00Day 12: Thursday, 26 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Gillette, WY to Rapid City, SD...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=gillette,+wy&daddr=rapid+city,+sd&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=44.314023,-104.367371&sspn=1.471938,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">That was smaller than I'd thought it would be...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">160miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 11</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:15min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.3</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 14.2</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6,500ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Cloudy, cool and rainy. Hooray!!!</span>, Temp:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> 62-70</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span></strong><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Big news of the day - the weather has broken! We had proper English weather today. Was I happy. I think most of the others were happy aswell, although Gerry said it was cold, the Aussies were wearing overshoes and many rode the whole day in jackets. A few even asked me how to ride in the rain at breakfast! Laugh I did!<br /><br />Today, on paper, looked quite hard, 160 miles, 6500 ft climbing. I didn't find it too difficult and finished well up at the front.<br /><br />Quite a scenic day today, as we crossed into South Dakota and into the Black Hills National Park. Very pretty winding road through a forest, although a lot of the trees seemed to be dead. A fire maybe? It must have been a while back, as the grass was well established. We also visited Mount Rushmore and took pictures of the famous 4 presidents craved into the rockface. It was impressive, but was a bit smaller than I expected it to be. Oh well.<br /><br />Upon leaving Mt. Rushmore we steamed through Keystone. Think Blackpool at its finest! And talking about fine places, we also passed through Newcastle today! Waye, aye, man.<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699855899016690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgrmJw_4fIV9px8mZLbj0InutzGrVS-HR7ITVf69dwAvqks_fLlZpFtZD9H7bpqPIVZkIQ325OmkKM7eyN4WVBRYlJLWVBWN3qu0DPaqgPF8DkPsgIQ-FyESJ_CKxSq4jPG3w-M4Fwqc/s320/IMG_0613.jpg" border="0" />Waye, aye, man!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699860193984002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pW1yclNTOSbuVi3xDLkFniUHBuKrM8NpMByOgsEZ82m-AmwwYqRggF44dZXrVzHTcjEfEzUHZgaLx1kccQayTTjKQ2EwKRPjTS1VZ7ADm5SdK-wBSQvroSCvNgvhyML5Sz3Au2Fjzj8/s320/IMG_0614.jpg" border="0" />Like Newcastle, only prettier...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699860193984018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdZkJq29ciCGvh7AYQGtVbnXX1CWWteBK0j7dXHDNt_0GLHm2mmoci2shR6OrIt2xBqf0dYINS1dpOkwhET5qk4H_Dp7-8G28qvypskLGh0NBZpk37tkdpxrDqjb0qwdqV4FwVM7Cfqo/s320/IMG_0616.jpg" border="0" />Another day, another state.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699864488951330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mp9_ibaf2v8ugUSnXx22kVW8SDYeZzOX4e3XL1q5LHXvwXSDvYPVqi57v6HPmySiSPp2zES_qQ5lBXgPQNDxCUTNQW34cl_DGkiAbMpqVBXRacxZ7-T5oUR19pwqBcrzdu5PLXMTBgc/s320/IMG_0619.jpg" border="0" />Nice road, shame about the trees...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699864488951346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEAAWFS9u2qy7Tjpd7PCJ9kpBT5ixxINUGV9IY5FUWM-Gr4ZLREj2qHHghoFvBAcOjw5pOarR-ftzWeom2FQsQx9LR4Vod3fNbjRIMrrqEcwMI44rD_ScmAz9nEloJt-9utmWalcq0pM/s320/IMG_0621.jpg" border="0" />Ho, Hum.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699989043002946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqhX-per0F4YAU7OKI5k9vOn02BqJnHUbK-GqrD3TTH_vpqAzI0CDe5vGx8b5epwZR46rf2gWfL28RtcXohPb5Q4z8fejuAJM_t3QBOZauY5k7BPCBgF4ZqIHk3CB3W6QIJ1kwKLGSj8/s320/IMG_0627.jpg" border="0" />At Mt. Rushmore.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091699993337970258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oy8f1bOA4SVRx5JEfAwL8lzQPvrlp4p0H-HqPz0IUQmmQVtWE-qxdXlEXZQced64YilCP4g4WhnvfA3xOQlxa-Yem3-3EyMepGbScmMPH8AEyrE-_GKZ9jIU2jZZ9tAM_KgKoTAteJI/s320/IMG_0631.jpg" border="0" />Rapid City, South Dakota.</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-6390225490848064672007-07-26T20:15:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:23.694+00:00Day 11: Wednesday, 25 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Sheridan, WY to Gillette, WY...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=sheridan,+wy&amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=gillette,+wy&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=44.602202,-107.597351&sspn=1.464692,2.878418&ie=UTF8&ll=44.602202,-106.734924&spn=1.464692,2.878418&amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Having a rest day, but still doing 110miles...</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">111.4miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:00am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:19min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 15.6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 13.4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 3,530ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> Not as h</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">ot</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 65-92</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />The calm after the storm. A rest day. So, how do you rest and move 110 miles down the road?<br /><br />It's all about conserving energy. You climb hills in low gears (spinning) with as little pressure on the pedals as possible. You coast down hills. If the wind is favourable, you again ride (quite fast) with as little pressure as possible. Riding in groups allows you to expend even less effort. You eat. You drink. Lots.<br /><br />You write short blog entry. You sleep early...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091693185814805954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAhb3Bd9MWUW1n6vkufeZ4SlXroSQROdBhrmd7Hnr8yJRWHkPeJ78QgdCy8iF4jbjd6K_Q9iLbPvk6rP3g3gDXZHITqcm2U62iojf7KbfaHo-JV8Iph7AG5qg7qxuQEQpH43AT8Udndw/s320/IMG_0605.jpg" border="0" />More road works today...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091693185814805970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LWkf-rDiOZJsGnXPmDLD5CikncmRvWTUsNad5dQZw2_BVFQXs2l_Z6fUDUlmZcbj7qEv9iu_vNVHZ3xJW7mD1dQAN4WjjicKpffLCXn9ylgkHeS4oOr_y_ZILuk5jWDSJBF0WHLdnYc/s320/IMG_0608.jpg" border="0" />Gentle rolling farmland</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091693190109773282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7649mQn5xKfzXTlXNKt9h5itPOgwsK9_LxptjGcxjtKnVlhjZOaSakQECNdWzOjb_SZu3fxCFAr8wKzklrmaFaG5O9pU98K30_07hjCRW1der06M47WvyO0oPFSSgM9R3rvNWaq6NBU/s320/IMG_0612.jpg" border="0" />Go, red line, go!</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-79324567880571888832007-07-25T20:05:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:24.741+00:00Day 10: Tuesday, 24 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Cody, WY to Sheridan, WY...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=cody,+wy&daddr=44.846133,-108.352661+to:sheridan,+wy&mrcr=0,1&mrsp=1&sz=9&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;mra=dpe&dirflg=h&sll=44.611979,-107.720947&sspn=1.464445,2.878418&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ie=UTF8&t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#990000;">Big day in the mountains</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">146.7miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 12</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:04min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 15.4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 12.2</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6,742ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot</span>, Temp:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> 65-102</span></strong><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Today was all about the Big Horn. A 30 mile climb over a mountain. It was a challenge and a half and we'd all been anticipating it for a few days.<br /><br />The day started easily enough with a quick 50 miler to the base of the mountain range. After a brief photo stop we set off on the climb to dinner. It would take anything from an hour and half to three hours. It started ominously, with a headwind blowing over the shallow part of the climb. This meant I was knackered before hitting the start of the ramps. Then it started. It was one of those climbs where you can see the upper reaches from the base and it looked an awful long way away. I settled in for a long grind. I hadn't fully recovered from yesterday's ride, so my pace was pretty slow. 8mph...7mph...6mph. It took me 2hrs 15mins to do the 18 miles.<br /><br />After lunch, the climbing continued, as we made our way up to 9,300ft. The views of the Big Horn Bowl were stunning. After such a hard climb, I deserved a good downhill. Unfortunately, the wind spoilt that, so I ended up pedalling down! Then I got a first and second of FOUR punctures, so my mood was rapidly going downhill (at least something was!). I mended my punctures while being sucked dry by flies.<br /><br />Eventually there was a good 11 mile downhill and it was enjoyable, although as you descended the heat was building back up to furnace temperatures. It was in the hundreds again for the last 25 miles into Sheridan. I was on the road for over 12 hours.<br /><br />A bit of an epic day. Very hard, but enjoyable in a masochistic sort of way!<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091331218856000882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTQogvUTmCdUMXK-m1YRDP-0Ib6RCWPtRl-m5s83yNfJg7r3CbJnwbPoAD2wzZFpRSxnAlh1V18HLqQVFWfKKGVmNGROjop-Cw7-osGgKCG_QLwuRDsSZpxIx8JLi_Fo1TMrd-okrsbo/s320/IMG_0597.jpg" border="0" />They weren't kidding...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091331223150968194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAxEgqadcPwRxLNUfxl60rQgnLIx-0ukVpgBmReDnix_kZ7D8u_LQAuiRnxVzQIryOLRYX_A-qAdzJYc1mnoYL9DMihBUDWs-I6f0X8loTJnYfpfwRFXTvLCPby66-rrfaI7C9pIdGCw/s320/IMG_0598.jpg" border="0" />Stunning</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091331227445935506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRCE_scj8CRygZO4SwUt4cDhSoLlULbW3h0glMYt2UrrDAYhkPYgrv__JzgDHbCXdhZLlEcicO9A7JAhzOyG9yBJTA7imSOWkdLy0avr4LAAlo3lkiteUrcj5isDpuUBykbgC8n1deEw/s320/IMG_0599.jpg" border="0" />Looking back down</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091331231740902818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfdOuEfFVtYQys6gn2h_pLZOSeVBcedhpjRemwdMP49GTI61OIo7bpTCI_we48c_3FuUBvYhMrmj10jD3SUBHw3_BylKWyyQoz_jkmgjfLhiujLKGSY7O2z-nd5TphVuG7iCjE5Rat1M/s320/IMG_0603.jpg" border="0" />The gory details</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091331231740902834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA7VLituIbllSbM0JQpXr0UV2GvVxJpssHsN5ytwyZQOQ8muV0gwi-cJCaM1UFbQR5rLsY3H0Z9Xp37oaabYjy9EnWSxjUiTaldQsBYEHQOFObOFy_7oMTQt_ROOnuwtkwyDaUsdlnMk/s320/IMG_0604.jpg" border="0" />Four hours later...</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-88132619435703459102007-07-23T18:14:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:25.401+00:00Day 9: Monday, 23 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Columbus, MT to Cody, WY...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Columbus,+mt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=cody,+wy&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=45.094853,-109.003601&sspn=1.452218,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:85%;" >Hotter than hell... I expect.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">108.7miles + 5miles in truck</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:29min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 15.8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 12.8</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 5,859ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot then Hotter</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 70-104</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Climbing day today, except I didn't think it had quite enough climb. Kurt and John are normally first back with me and a few others a little while later, give or take. Now, Kurt and John are both big and strong but neither can climb for toffee, so the climbers had a chance today!<br /><br />I had a 'hotel flat' this morning, that I only noticed just before breakfast, so fixing that put me a bit behind schedule. As a result, I left reasonably late and had to catch groups up through the morning. During the early gentle climbs I made some time up and made the second rest stop at Bear Creek well up there. I chased Kurt out of the control but we then had a 12 mile downhill section, so I didn't make contact until we were forced to stop for road works.<br /><br />We weren't allowed to ride through so we hitched a ride on a flat-bed truck and bounced at high-speed through the dirt and gravel to the Wyoming border! A funny experience, if rather frightening. 6 bikers and their bikes crammed in a pick-up with the tail-gate down, holding on for dear life (well, I was anyway). This took us to lunch at the border. It was now very hot and we still had 40 miles to go...<br /><br />Setting out again (after pouring a cup of iced water over my head and re-applying factor 50) it felt like riding into a furnace. The sun was beating down relentlessly, the wind was up (a headwind of course) and the scenery was just dirt, hills and mountains. My computer read 116 degrees and we still had climbing to do. I got through water very quickly, but managed to kept going through the gentle rise and then the steeper pass. It was then downhill to Cody, but the wind was strong so it was still tough rolling along. Glad to reach Cody, but Kurt and John were already there.<br /><br />Tomorrow is harder (!), and there's a warning on the noticeboard that you have to reach lunch by 1.30pm in order to make it back by dark! I just hope it's a bit cooler...<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090551673701842226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGyS17oTlBA2_6mgzZn-xUexXDtzIzfQS6mUsEiNzklR3ewY5mMvVWzc_hAkxgwo3iuawzKUw2RXRipK3vbfsYDpBCQIxqB5U90dXfBtrh9nOJ-_VGgzQild4RvFiTcJs3-ERi7LypOI/s320/IMG_0566.jpg" border="0" />Red Lodge, MT</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090551677996809538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_cIPt6L30cI4uqMX22TToT00SzwIUpFuhyphenhyphenJucGaw-B6oH7pC3FSmrZsHvRTNQdNl_1ne3HLGLDLTNwlQ0W-B1A1-l2AW2C8IUSz_3mM7waURVcx-OVzAlZP8MDs2ppjGBM4a7PfM8Sw/s320/IMG_0570.jpg" border="0" />Loading up!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090551682291776850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8slSqODLFmxjr8SzKsEMF49EFzPYIIVlZtIoUIQYKXKVj_jBzW4hcUP7GbMHrgK31iF2XAdtzjF8kuKWsA389Fx_ctHCo7O3K-RfjbpYMlBddaM4CMqu0esg7Cz9yGnn5-dLFujTfQss/s320/IMG_0573.jpg" border="0" />Bumperty, bumperty, bump.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090551686586744162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6HIaWRR85R9srRmhV_8haToZmAZCTeuVZO_ydk4ncpW2ccxHR9rFAhS1SHTazJn11G0ZWobN86gWF_GsGKmi_qbScYMLNV1THbWdqZktTn4AatPAj1WrONnihpeEivu5NITyjSSsYxY/s320/IMG_0577.jpg" border="0" />Nearing Cody - temperature over 100 degrees</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-28778369817066684752007-07-22T16:28:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:25.987+00:00Day 8: Sunday, 22 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Bozeman, MT to Columbus, MT...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Bozeman,+MT&daddr=Columbus,+mt&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=45.821143,-111.497498&sspn=1.433634,2.878418&ie=UTF8&ll=45.821143,-110.635071&spn=1.433634,2.878418&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:85%;" >Down hill, with a tailwind, on a smooth road, following a tandem. Very nice.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">104.0miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:19min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 20.1</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.5</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 1,502ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot & Sunny</span>, Temp:<strong><span style="color:#990000;"> 62-100</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span></strong><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Today was one of those days that cycling was invented for! After a short climb out of Bozeman, we just cruised 100 miles to our destination. Managed to break 50mph for the first time on this trip, coming down the other side of the Bozeman pass. Then we managed 20mph+ to lunch, with very little effort.<br /><br />Had a lot of fun following Susan & Lon's tandem at 30mph+ along the frontage road. I had a cricket / grasshopper take a ride on my handlebars for about 5 minutes along the way. He sure was lost, when he jumped off!<br /><br />Temperatures climbed well today, with no cloud cover at all. Coming into Columbus several signs flashed over 100 degrees. Had a wait for the room keys, so some went for a swim in the river. With my fair skin, I decided this would be suicide, so I went and sat in the air-conditioned lobby with a few other sensible people.<br /><br />Very little effort required today, but that's about to change in two days time...<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090207079885749506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyqEIou2bcrtD0LO4ZkBs1TBdItN48U43Le4DfOQTa1l6_S8brTV9dXMKLBpEJZ7CI2pPvt-e19jtsjrjKQd7ORYF53Qvj31a234nJ9W_t1SvsaxyMoulrHghzIl0gj6D72YbKy6HKHA/s320/IMG_0556.jpg" border="0" />Strong paceline = 30mph</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090207517972413714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl3KlOeC3xZQGaVMrSfjjKNr8sCVulIOlB3W9XJBA2t2frWcIG0Gi8wR0mOj5luugtKNcNXC2-AOfnaQQpMDhD6AwXD2hOwxfV9ui66OxhNIKU8RL8YM1tDkBvRSc0vBiBI2t4cWu0X0/s320/IMG_0557.jpg" border="0" />My passenger for 5 minutes.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Or: "Faster Shaun, faster. We can catch 'em")</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Yes, I did take a pic of my handlebars at nearly 30mph!)</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090208303951428898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW-4yD0dyYDrXxHasJXg2qUiMirfMHy6Oe-0ozdOhlcZ_ALj_ERnY7T-12uBzB3sGRSPkJcdyT4iBiydLrUlgzLRQF2I5RgAH401vqvVtu1rGNHILGNBZRcHOY16wgavJcsvbgKDk_bg/s320/IMG_0561.jpg" border="0" />Out in the wild (mid)west</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756721987360880038.post-81930178296996201542007-07-21T20:45:00.000+01:002008-12-12T02:59:26.940+00:00Day 7: Saturday, 21 July<span style="font-size:130%;">Butte, MT to Bozeman, MT...<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[</span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Butte,+MT&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;daddr=Bozeman,+MT&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=45.838368,-111.766663&sspn=1.433191,2.878418&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=h&z=9&om=1">map</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">]</span></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:85%;" >I like descending. I like it a lot.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Mileage:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">100.7miles</span>, Start:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7:30am</span>, Time:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 7</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">hr:24min</span>,<br />Avg:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 16.4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph</span>, Rolling:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 13.6</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">mph, </span>Climb:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> 3,441ft</span>,<br />Weather:<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Hot & Sunny</span>, Temp:<span style="color:#990000;"><strong> 58-92</strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">°F</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />Expected another punishing day in the saddle, as my cough is still life-threatening (in a man-ish sort of way), although the bee-sting has topped out. Luckily for me, the day had more downhill than uphill! Big Time Bonus.<br /><br />Early climb up Pipestone Pass (6,418ft) had me spluttering a bit, but my legs carried me through. Well, that and the fact this is not the first time I've suffered on a bike (smiles...). We also crossed the Continential Divide today and although it's not downhill all the way, it made a good effort for the rest of the day.<br /><br />At our first rest stop in Whitehall, there was a town fair going on, complete with vintage cars, fete stalls, horse-shoe tossing etc. It was a shame we carried straight on through. But we had descending to do!<br /><br />It was great descending by the side of the Madison River. There was loads of people on the river, floating on tyre inner-tubes, inflatable dingys etc. They were having a good time, especially the ones that had their beer coolers floating with them! (That would be all of them, then Shaun)<br /><br />Good recovery day, all in all. Much easier than I expected. Let's hope it continues...<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089853518177942706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakVHv0b9qTR-fxVCUq320dqvK8ws2-xLyKNROaaTIlA6nGTSFSlxjTC_QQJlLy0wD5KZJ2kIIu1mKZQnkQj90WKWFWET4p8Wn_UD6URaQA7Mylo7C8Hp6SyVZmQdWQxxRGwPs1tLslc/s320/IMG_0538.jpg" border="0" />Jim (with a feather in his cap).</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089853522472910018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1odF6ZgcJkBbtINg4rHgu9AcxqMo1_xbzusqaGFLeSJWV-xUMYaomzptYFvRbx7igat9Dtmb9A0lAw95cgFlX5ddYopAtXmq0bYmRe8VGyFCLBSMGDCy4jHUy6xcfeR2nEybp6vPKQXA/s320/IMG_0539.jpg" border="0" />Bob (aka Dad). Sorry Bob.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089853522472910034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXb4Ms4CkdT5VHEf3VEq3IexV2QBC5lNJXETqqyw9cYQydVjBoVO7ECSz5O3MlPMH6kufk-huC2j6B0tBiJOElZZOMvomi_u6_q3ySNNf8YIIAwTPStZ3SdJXiqACn-oL4le5UT_YM7A/s320/IMG_0543.jpg" border="0" />Yes, I know my glasses aren't on straight.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089853526767877346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIsw2g2r46cyath_xpxO7pjJY8cIwAG2NV4IGDWOhUaIqChct0GXPTxIjJidqTxj_Ie5UlXgp16JTpBAnXeCe_Dt298snQXw7R2-SSYWPOSmVe5L_tH2X-qqWpjvpVkfwbnF6xxd5rss/s320/IMG_0548.jpg" border="0" />Floating down the river with your beer...</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089853531062844658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81N_eilThP0sbsemlAbwdVJ9Ajzws8b0oCdiC2MrF81Pjan8Y0cg9UEevGyhXOb8G8KD0kElce5UXDGq1pLerii2Wy6qi7HXL2An0Q-F_KWKCpxpd__9dUm7WhGgZq85V1rEEc28ByJ0/s320/IMG_0551.jpg" border="0" />Good place for lunch!</span></em></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283143263295541980noreply@blogger.com0