Thursday, May 9, 2013

We're in Illinois

More rollers today. They were a bit steeper than yesterday too. But the ride length today was only 97 miles. I try to keep my effort as low as possible.

I am finding I am rarely taxing my cardio system but my legs are often too tired to push. I went through a real energy low where my legs just felt like lead. I believe it may be a nutritional issue. It took about a half hour and I started to feel better.

The weather today was overcast but warm. We had occasional drizzle and some light rain. Wearing a rain jacket in this weather is pointless. You get wetter from sweating inside the jacket then you do from the rain. And it's just plain hotter to ride that way.

We passed through the tiny town of Colony at about mile 50 today. I stopped at a store which was basically a homeowners garage to buy a soda. The owner let me use the restroom to.

Our lunch SAG stop was just before a barge to cross the Mississippi. The area where we stopped for lunch was under several feet of water last week. The barge only started running this Monday. Our bikes got quickly covered with mud. Glad I had my fenders on. I made a quick sandwich at the lunch stop and carried it with me to the barge and ate it while crossing the Mississippi.

We feast headwinds after we got across the Mississippi. They weren't strong but we're constant. A group of riders that crossed with me immediately got a flat on the other side and then another one before reaching the hotel.

Today was another day of riding almost entirely alone. I left the hotel earlier than everyone else but was using low-effort and so expected everyone else to eventually overtake me. But I think everyone else had the same idea as I did. That is to take it easy and go slow. In any event when you face a bunch of rollers it's very difficult to stay together when your effort varies a lot based on how you feel. By the time I got into the headwinds in Illinois, I felt pretty strong and was able to cut through them with my aero bars.

When I got into Quincy, I stopped at a Panera Bread for a large meal. The hotel had a hose and rags for us to clean our bikes outside.

Tomorrow we face much the same weather. The ride is 106 miles tomorrow. And then we will have a rest day in Springfield. Woohoo I can't wait!

7 comments:

  1. That river looked deep. I love the pictures. I put your chain in the mail and I hope they get your box with the lip balm and sunscreen to you. Have a great day tomorrow and know that the rest day is coming. love you much Sandy
    Miss you miss you miss you. It is so true that two become one and I feel like half of me is gone right now. Have fun!!! Sandy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got the backup freewheel. Most riders here have never heard of a "freewheel". Thx for sending. Yeah being apart this long is a real drag. In total with all the nights I stayed down in Livermore, we spent more than a year apart. Its a little nicer doin' it for an adventure instead of just wirk. ;)

      Delete
  2. Hey Buddy! Sounds like this trip can be a grind, but you are making it! Illinois means 2/3rds of the way there? I'm really proud of you. Hopefully less rollers soon. Looking forward to hearing about your travails in person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Hank. Glad you are following. Yeah terrain should ease up a bit for next week. If weather cooperates should have easier days ahead. That would be nice ;) planning a recap party at round table in Davis sometime maybe in June. Hope you might be in town.

      Delete
  3. Thought of you every ride this week. Wasn't going to go out on Wednesday but thought if Mark can put in 100+ miles every day I can certainly do my measly ride. Keep up the inspiration (perspiration too)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Sis. Happy belated Birthday by the way. Good to hear from you. You and Ron should do this ride or the North ride (50 days incl. 5 rest days) for a retirement celebration ;) I've seen pics from the North ride and it is gorgeous!

      Delete
  4. Yes Happy Birthday Kerry! I hope you had a wonderful day. Mark dedicated his ride to you that day. Boo, keep it up and know that I am too inspired by you. Only thing I don't like is missing you and I have decided we will not be a part this long again. I guess I am getting to old for that. I like my boo so for any other adventures either of us has, one will have to come along for part of it. Love you so!!!! Enjoy your rest day!
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete