130 miles today. Cold temps at the start. Cloudy skies and high humidity plus about 10 mph winds from the North. Went 75 miles due East on 56 then due north on CR 304 for 55 miles.
I went out pretty hard. Finished the first 70 miles in about 4 hours elapsed time. Then I slowed the pace quite a bit to deal with the headwinds. I worked with Tim for those 55 miles. We traded 1 mile pulls and worked very well together.
Tim does have a tendency to stand out of the saddle unexpectedly and once we rubbed wheels because of that. This is another aspect of working in pace lines. When you stand out of the saddle it is important not too slow because that just has a domino effect on everyone behind you. But not too many people can do this effectively especially late in a ride. I gave Tim more room than usual to avoid further incidents.
At the lunch stop I saw some pretty purple flowers that reminded me of Sandy. So I took some pictures. Not much else to photograph other than that. A nice family near our lunch stop let us use their restroom and it had some funny instructions.
Mark, great job today. Keep up the consistent pedaling and be safe. Be careful with the pace lines, especially late in some of these legs. As you know, the fatigue factor, dampened rider awareness and challenging headwinds will bring out the worst in even the most experienced riders.
ReplyDeleteStay strong and focused!!!
Scott
You're right Scott. Its good to have someone to work with into the wind but not if it means there's a good chance you'll go down;)
DeleteBoo I loved seeing u on Skype U looked great but get some sleep. No more staying up late or it will hit u at the end. Sweet dreams
ReplyDeletehad trouble falling to sleep last night.it was nice to see you on skype when it was working at my end.
DeleteAwww...I like that you saw some purple flowers that reminded you of Sandy. Although I am positive that no flower would be as beautiful (inside and out) as Sandy. You also rocked the ping-pong game last night! Quite a lot of energy after a day of riding.
ReplyDeleteI saw another kind of purple flower in the high desert in New Mexico that I should have stopped to take a picture of. that date with ping pong was one of the easiest rides yet.
DeleteHi Mark,
ReplyDeleteI was trying to keep up with you yesterday by running in the Devil Mountain run in Danville (5K) in the morning and then played a USTA tennis match in the afternoon. I am looking forward to do some bicycling with you.
Denise and I watched a little bit of the movie "Twister" on Saturday evening. That also made me think of you as you are riding through Kansas. Stay clear of these funnel clouds :)
It is amazing everything that you have accomplished so far on your ride. Both the physical and mental stamina. Keep it up and know that I am thinking of you.
hey Steve, good to hear from you. I hope your run went well. Thanks for following. A lot to talk about when I get home.have you got your new bike yet?
DeleteBoo, if you have to take naps to make sure you are getting enough sleep than do it. I am sorry you had problems sleeping cause I can tell you need some. You will need alot of rest to finish this. Love you with all my heart sandy
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, I haven't commented in a while, but I'm still following you. I enjoy reading your narratives of the details of biking that us non-biking folks have not experienced. It helps me better visualize your experience.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I couldn't quite make out the funny instructions on the john.
ReplyDeleteHey Babe,
ReplyDeleteRemember, one day at a time. It will feel like an awful grind sometimes and at others it will feel pretty good. Do not let anything get you down and let the wind flow through your hair:) Remember I am pulling for you along with alot of other people. love you so Sandy