Sunday, 13Jun10, Battle Mountain, NV
Today was a great day!
Adella and I got up early, said our prayers and read scriptures together, then packed up and were able to carry our bags and load them on the trailer … then we went to breakfast and then off to Battle Mountain, NV.
We didn’t ride together today … she gave me permission to ride with the “big dawgs” … however … they were already gone so I rode by myself and actually felt really good … a slight tailwind and a perfect day for riding.
As I was approaching our big 3.8 mile climb on Golcando Summit … Sean came ripping up behind me and said “you’re a hard guy to catch” … then we started to climb and I settled into my normal 6-7 mph spin cadence … as Sean easily started moving away from me up the mountain …
Then along came Judy (one of staff leaders who happened to be riding today), she said “hi” and easily walked away from me.
As I struggled along, I finally caught up with my cycling buddy, Rand and slowly edged up the mountain toward Golcando summit.
Occasionally, I thought I saw a cyclist in a lime green cycling jacket starting to slowly catch up with me … I thought it might be Adella (but I said NO) because I knew she was still eating when I left the restaurant.
So when I finally made to the summit and stopped to “top off” with water and grabbed a couple of snacks. (Rice Krisipies and Oat Honey snacks)
As I got ready to leave … here comes Adella … way to go “daughter” you are amazing!
I asked her if she wanted to ride to together down the mountain? She said “no” and said “go get’um Daddio!
And I did just that … I let it “rip” on the down hill and rumor has it that it was a 40 mph downhill … I said “hi” to George and Phil as I peaked out on the hill.
Phil (an incredible cyclist with amazing endurance … decided it was time to reel me in … it took him a few minutes and I was still moving at 20 mph as he pulled up next to me, we chatted for a couple of minutes and he said to me “grab a wheel” and we’ll see if we can catch up to Kenneth and Big John.
I did and it took us quite a while but we did catch them and then we rode together for many miles … I hung on with them for many miles at 23-27 mph.
Finally about 5 miles west of Battle Mountain as we climbed over an overpass on I-80, I fell back a little and then I could not “catch back up” … even though, I was still holding 23 mph yet Phil was pulling like the “Lance Armstrong” he is … what an incredible cyclist … he must have pulled 20 miles today and his heart rate stayed steady from 103-120 bpm … Wow!
Finally we arrived at Battle Mountain exit and I was about 30 secs behind them as they exited …
It was a great day of cycling for me and then it wasn’t too long until Adella pulled up behind us at the America’s Best Value hotel … she had a 17.3 mph average and I ended up with a 18.0 mph average … as compared to Phil’s 19.1 mph average … however he stopped for pictures, etc.
Today was a laundry day … so we were able to wash all of our dirty clothes.
Tomorrow is another 72 mile day to Elko, NV. Then a 106 mile day to Wendover … finally a 116 mile day to Salt Lake City.
Tonight after cleaning our bikes … route rap and dinner … Adella and I will study our PMG manual to help us understand all the things we should be learning about the gospel.
It was a great day and I want to thank Carole, Charlie and D.C. for your incredible emails the last couple of days you are amazing friends.
Talk to you tomorrow.