Today was the third and final day of penance for last Sunday's 55 mile "easy" day. As a result we are now redefining an "easy" day as 83 miles (Tomorrow's ride) to avoid another three days of hell. Although today had no major climbs, of the 125 leg between Hanksville, Ut. and Blanding, Ut., the final 80 was generally uphill. We were feeling frisky in the morning and took advantage of the more downs than ups on the road to Lake Powell. We clicked off 39 miles at a pace of 21 mph. We made such great time that the support team, once they caught up to us, told us if they went another few miles without seeing us, they were going to turn around and look for us in a ditch, figuring there is no way we could have gone that far. Ultimately and despite the climbing we ended the day with an average speed of 16.6 mph, thanks in part to a tail wind, at last!
Speaking of speeds, I have owned my Garmin GPS for a few years and never noticed the warning that flashes; "SLOW DOWN". It seems to appear above 45 mph. Above 50 mph, it just gives up or maybe I just can't read it anymore because of the tears streaming out of my eyes from the wind. I'm sure the legal department of Garmin had something to do with the disclaimer. If I were on the legal team, I would have the programmers add a message that displays after 100 miles; "GET OFF THE BIKE NOW, SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT!"
Despite the fact that our support team is generally close by at all times (except for the close call on the mountain two days ago), we are all comforted by the fact that despite no 911 call boxes placed intermittently along the desolate highway, help is never far away if something happens. It finally dawned on us that as soon as we stop in the middle of nowhere to vent our excess hydration, a car comes by. So the plan is if anyone of us gets hurt and needs medical attention, the other two will look both ways to make sure nobody is coming, drop trowel, and presto, help will be there Johnny on the spot.
As I mentioned earlier, we generally had a tailwind and clear skies, with no threat of rain. Despite applications of SPF 30 sunblock, we are all turning a golden brown. Other than being fatigued, nobody has any afflictions that will require a medivac back to the east coast, or worse yet, a ride in the support van.
We appreciate the feedback on the Postings and the support from family, friends, and voyeurs. Tomorrow, we are down three states and enter Colorado.
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I am glad to see you guys are enjoyng God's beautiful scenery. Just wait until you get out of the mountains, you will really start "hauling the mail".Really enjoying the blog & the picures.
ReplyDeleteRich
Good Morning,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let all three of you know how proud we are of you. Hang in there. This is so amazing. Support team ...mom is proud of you too. There is a little boy in Hellam that loved your train picture and is requesting more train pictures.Have fun ..be safe and remember another state almost accomplish. Call when you can.
Miss you,
Love Josh's Mom
Glad to hear you had a short day - 83 miles. If you guys can move like that across country, on a bike, there is no telling to what you can do with your honey do lists when you get home. Home repairs; leaking faucets, additions - your lack of energy limitations make this an interesting theory. We will have to have the Mrs' Sam, Jere and Tim (Sharon) let us know how that works out. Take care and keep kickin ...
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts here in central pa from Marlene Steinour
Hurry up and get to Colorado. They make Coors Light there. Rocky Mountain water, I'm told.
ReplyDeleteHey I was looking on the other guys web site. (the ones you met at the beginning of your trip)and they have a page with % of trip accomplished. If you got to Dolores Co. and I am sure you did you will have finished 33% of your trip. Way to go. Keep pedaling and Stay Safe!
ReplyDeleteLove Sharon