1 more down!

Looks like a used buggy lot?

The dark line is getting a lot longer!

Mike K’s wife baked cookies for us!

Good evening all,

Hurray – today was our last 100 mile plus ride (6 in all). The upcoming days may be tougher with a lot of climbing and the unpredictability of the wind but our overall mileage has maxed out.

Today was a good day, we had favorable winds for most of the ride, the countryside was picturesque, the heat/ humidity was lower and the rain held off. We also passed into another state (Ohio) and had our ritual of sand sprinkling (from the Pacific Ocean) very early in the day. I mentioned that the Ohio countryside here is beautiful and in full bloom and we also saw quite a bit of evidence of the Amish presence here. I have a couple of buggy pictures to post but none of the amish folks as they aren’t keen on folks taking their photo and they are very friendly and wave to us as we pass.

The first SAG was at mile 42 and I rode with the lead group of the late departure riders. It may have been an error in judgement as I may pay the price tomorrow ut we hammered for a long time. I would periodically lose contact but usually found a way to reconnect with the group. When we got to the SAG, many of the early departure riders were still there. Everyone generally had a good day because of the winds.

After we left the first SAG, we caught some of the other riders around mile 55 or so. A bridge was out so we had a slight detour but apparently some riders waded the river anyway (no wading with my yellow shoes). We encountered some more “chip and seal” roads and they are a bit of a pain to ride on. I know that one rider (Rick our mechanic) went down on some gravel but other than scraps was ok. Late in the morning, the threat of rain reared its head and the skies became overcast. Our second SAG was at mile 78 and I decided to not spend a lot of time due to the darkening skies. I was starting to pay the pice from riding fast (sore butt – hot foot) and the winds were a little more problematic. At about mile 94, we turned and again got the wind to our backs and we pushed the speed up well over 20 mph. As we approached Marysville, we heard thunder in the distance and we did get a little rain. We stopped before the hotel for some recovery drinks and overall it was a very fast day for all the riders. I rode much of the day with Mike F, Ron (his buddy from CA), and Richard M) – I was thankful that they helped pull be along. Mike is a phenomenal rider who is probably the best in the group. He is also very gracious and will work to help the other riders when the opportunity presents itself.

Tomorrow, is a very hilly day with the climbing crammed towards the end. Should be interesting..

Another item of note, we now have less than 1000 miles to ride. eels like only yesterday that we were sitting in the Introductory meeting in LA, learning the rules of the road and wondering “What did I get myself into…..

Tailwinds

Chuck