tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73044602177330516632024-02-19T08:55:33.784-08:00Biking across America - JanJan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-86956663897213999022014-06-21T19:33:00.001-07:002014-06-21T19:33:07.152-07:00On to Canadaigua<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPPlndsT6j9tWuQFN5arwHlFICElHfzkhZzjcVbv-3O6V1uK0ecvk0QwFUjpJDjH86YYL6cd7VmE_3KX0x3HpdcTMUbAkSjUCrEjQI0XbABt9hQ-9_iKxftWvEj3tUP_tc2T3pJu7KvrZ/s1600/image-787153.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPPlndsT6j9tWuQFN5arwHlFICElHfzkhZzjcVbv-3O6V1uK0ecvk0QwFUjpJDjH86YYL6cd7VmE_3KX0x3HpdcTMUbAkSjUCrEjQI0XbABt9hQ-9_iKxftWvEj3tUP_tc2T3pJu7KvrZ/s320/image-787153.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027575953645033538" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorQTXr0XIoUgBtVTBgKJU1HoX1x_TPwPM9lCYoMB2DMmH5IPkbl-TSmLfCX1P024y9q6JYf1CEMSsPzO5CKvGyD-2N6tXBxLasL9x9wwsLSbYSR-ll4E8rPLr2Tb_7nI0F4kukI5YjqPS/s1600/image-791058.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorQTXr0XIoUgBtVTBgKJU1HoX1x_TPwPM9lCYoMB2DMmH5IPkbl-TSmLfCX1P024y9q6JYf1CEMSsPzO5CKvGyD-2N6tXBxLasL9x9wwsLSbYSR-ll4E8rPLr2Tb_7nI0F4kukI5YjqPS/s320/image-791058.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027575964964791154" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijd2af28uHVh2REzPDT-vwuditnQ9P3sYqBrHSmY6dX-HbGRBU6Wcxq4yhTlaLOE5NdhPbgaP4SHqnsrvdQUd-nJdEzfdY1MkOBgLlNbjbSgj4gNYTCkvac396bX8iov0KSPMD061SWKAO/s1600/image-793255.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijd2af28uHVh2REzPDT-vwuditnQ9P3sYqBrHSmY6dX-HbGRBU6Wcxq4yhTlaLOE5NdhPbgaP4SHqnsrvdQUd-nJdEzfdY1MkOBgLlNbjbSgj4gNYTCkvac396bX8iov0KSPMD061SWKAO/s320/image-793255.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027575974892901682" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT4yKppRFW8HBa57JpD7IC5G7fBC3N0s7y5iKwIMAwLUDIyfJ74S6jNmQc6TeNBu3qzXCJA533kJyEoLrZZxxgQIZNUjzZe1Uq4eJXoFtX5fvNqPaen45rV5N9ySM33rbJZCdHHRT577r/s1600/image-795562.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT4yKppRFW8HBa57JpD7IC5G7fBC3N0s7y5iKwIMAwLUDIyfJ74S6jNmQc6TeNBu3qzXCJA533kJyEoLrZZxxgQIZNUjzZe1Uq4eJXoFtX5fvNqPaen45rV5N9ySM33rbJZCdHHRT577r/s320/image-795562.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027575981436906690" /></a></p>Today was a beautiful day riding through New York. The sky was blue and the fields were green all day long. Although there was a lot of traffic on the road, the shoulder was wide. So it might have been a bit noisy from the cars and trucks, but it felt quite safe to be riding along. The hills and the headwinds did make it quite a challenge however. I drove the van and set up the first SAG. After the second van arrived at the SAG, I was able to hop on the bike and take off. Thus I got in 65 miles. And I was ready to quit by then. One of the pictures was from the SAG stop in Avon. Everyone was enjoying the stop in the shade and they were in no hurry to leave.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-47305810181041975842014-06-20T17:44:00.001-07:002014-06-20T17:44:26.035-07:00Ohio and PA<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh38RHc_uH3Sj2d2lJQ2AsVchu3IkjkiO6lSy2o2lLT9VlkVgsVD2USCu5qL_EkP0JYzFRHPBCqXk66DdmBhgkSyt4hvl-fKr1Ms6UTD1yauZYV1YwkKAoIHzJ1G-UzfhO-znMD-6Zxyjq/s1600/image-766035.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh38RHc_uH3Sj2d2lJQ2AsVchu3IkjkiO6lSy2o2lLT9VlkVgsVD2USCu5qL_EkP0JYzFRHPBCqXk66DdmBhgkSyt4hvl-fKr1Ms6UTD1yauZYV1YwkKAoIHzJ1G-UzfhO-znMD-6Zxyjq/s320/image-766035.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027176852754372402" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizif7zyGTZGf6idTfISeh_tg3NkTa8ICOTXwdsz7Z20JHIJ74vFRfF2uWRKH5_8LlqlZ-K3pCAegOcjkjAthcyIWGphwWiV_YLNc5RitGGdk8BvGTjpoVvuzCbKb-3MFhwPaSXxQjMmm8/s1600/image-768448.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizif7zyGTZGf6idTfISeh_tg3NkTa8ICOTXwdsz7Z20JHIJ74vFRfF2uWRKH5_8LlqlZ-K3pCAegOcjkjAthcyIWGphwWiV_YLNc5RitGGdk8BvGTjpoVvuzCbKb-3MFhwPaSXxQjMmm8/s320/image-768448.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027176864716611618" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ5AtQJc-7ouHqMRZ2L9HzH9fsp_fORHVZyurvpdM5uRRhgamEXUQu-tztWTRoVLJ0sSWO9ZmD3upK0jyMGwhT5u6HdXl_dm0pAxjSGeszGB5Ywfc9BBhIXSfcroPOMmC1Qi-HCiAMSHw/s1600/image-770227.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ5AtQJc-7ouHqMRZ2L9HzH9fsp_fORHVZyurvpdM5uRRhgamEXUQu-tztWTRoVLJ0sSWO9ZmD3upK0jyMGwhT5u6HdXl_dm0pAxjSGeszGB5Ywfc9BBhIXSfcroPOMmC1Qi-HCiAMSHw/s320/image-770227.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027176872303835138" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAdmWzSFIkmck33d_CPt-ZvBOddsDdBodCz4xztzcg35elG-EO8KCUX-p8rjQJy_j136TesOd5VlqX8bQP3bQCQ8pqAgEOEFYhZURk1nULJMD2vCiWbgxIQ6E0CmUN46UOo1t6M-KMGSV/s1600/image-772635.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAdmWzSFIkmck33d_CPt-ZvBOddsDdBodCz4xztzcg35elG-EO8KCUX-p8rjQJy_j136TesOd5VlqX8bQP3bQCQ8pqAgEOEFYhZURk1nULJMD2vCiWbgxIQ6E0CmUN46UOo1t6M-KMGSV/s320/image-772635.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027176884068493170" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdST8rfUY2ZfRx5tLJBqxt34Qv9ikJQh3_baJMOFHa8lF6jCX2u4_N6VdZfd64ukmj0E6J1JfVYBQAMDFhyphenhyphenPAmOCidgKzPgOJyWASgQ5q3bG6jJACYac2PIfxxqnWc0CjZImHqhuCFTvO/s1600/image-774821.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdST8rfUY2ZfRx5tLJBqxt34Qv9ikJQh3_baJMOFHa8lF6jCX2u4_N6VdZfd64ukmj0E6J1JfVYBQAMDFhyphenhyphenPAmOCidgKzPgOJyWASgQ5q3bG6jJACYac2PIfxxqnWc0CjZImHqhuCFTvO/s320/image-774821.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027176892795072018" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8HB_qPG30hUHwJx9P89abazhom3j5hi1GuqvF0wV6HsJ10JVpD9sPX4IYFDCdkK3slNCdFhzThPJI6wFO6tdjoaiGUo4e_UqADFjKEpKbxWFAOox3rtnzFkZCn-AvmiVUhB5vxPGsBD5/s1600/image-776645.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8HB_qPG30hUHwJx9P89abazhom3j5hi1GuqvF0wV6HsJ10JVpD9sPX4IYFDCdkK3slNCdFhzThPJI6wFO6tdjoaiGUo4e_UqADFjKEpKbxWFAOox3rtnzFkZCn-AvmiVUhB5vxPGsBD5/s320/image-776645.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6027176901131031330" /></a></p>I was chastised by the Brickster today for the lack of blog entries. And he was on target with his chastisement. I have been completely remiss with writing in my blog. Maybe by the end of writing today I will understand why and let you know.
<br>
<br>So we traveled through Ohio. For those of you who have done this trip you know it is the state with the most potholes in their roads. And they haven't fixed them. The countryside is pretty but you spend so much time focused on the road that you can't really see much of it. I did my usual riding and driving for the days we traveled there. I have to confess that I didn't ride the hills to Wooster. They did not look nearly so steep from the inside of the van.
<br>
<br>On the day from Wooster to Erie, it started out innocent enough. I was driving the truck and just as I approached Rik and Tom at about mile 20 I saw a bolt of lightening and a very dark sky. They flagged me down, got their bikes in the truck, and we assessed the situation. Luckily we found a church that had a picnic shelter on the property. As the sky got darker and rain started to fall, we were able to gather the riders off the road and get them under the shelter. It seemed like a great place to have the SAG and we all had fun for the next hour. Then the sky started to clear and the rest of the day was great.
<br>
<br>The rest day in Erie was welcomed by all. I personally did very little. I guess I was tired. The night we got there a huge storm hit. Boy we were glad no one was out on the road. That would have been a very serious situation.
<br>
<br>Today we moved into NY. I drove SAG van so didn't get to ride. I am looking forward to riding tomorrow. This week is the best riding of the whole trip in my opinion. However it is sad also because the trip is almost over.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-55697655668119402642014-06-14T01:55:00.001-07:002014-06-14T01:55:38.299-07:00Riding through Indiana<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJx7_A5z89e7w7mw5VexS6VAciMG8Xs5dVNp7QtCE8Gu2bnb9duWFEYprMjFs0ZNGdNRRX92S6WTYrbE04u40Letelq4geZvErEe0QuN7enN0sVuBavHBeTkuo66ehtBphtM4BVgkpOdW/s1600/image-738300.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJx7_A5z89e7w7mw5VexS6VAciMG8Xs5dVNp7QtCE8Gu2bnb9duWFEYprMjFs0ZNGdNRRX92S6WTYrbE04u40Letelq4geZvErEe0QuN7enN0sVuBavHBeTkuo66ehtBphtM4BVgkpOdW/s320/image-738300.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6024705846034744274" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBKNsagM03KYupIJAeuCMFSIUSngu1F74AoOMe8RJ-1F6zoqBfnhiSxvmKgftPOEp-xQIYsNJi_rMUn8Qj7H2cXTSEX6Tglm3yRkLcvc9c8iT-9ul1xA1V-lD3EUREI0dqvP4kfefFFB9/s1600/image-741271.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBKNsagM03KYupIJAeuCMFSIUSngu1F74AoOMe8RJ-1F6zoqBfnhiSxvmKgftPOEp-xQIYsNJi_rMUn8Qj7H2cXTSEX6Tglm3yRkLcvc9c8iT-9ul1xA1V-lD3EUREI0dqvP4kfefFFB9/s320/image-741271.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6024705853567521138" /></a></p>Seems like this is the time of the tour when life becomes routine. We have been on tour for more than a month. This is life for us now. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy this routine very much. And the end is looming which is a sad thing to contemplate.
<br>
<br>Carol came back in Champaign. The staff has been in a strange rotation due to family emergencies, business requirements, doctor appointments, etc. Eileen's daughter had surgery so she went home in Kansas. Then Tracy had to return home for a week. So Carol came back for this week and is providing her wonderful food for the SAGs. Rik, the mechanic is back for the rest of the tour. With all the changes, the support to the riders still runs smoothly. I am back to truck driving and riding instead of van driving and riding. I must admit I like the truck better!
<br>
<br>Yesterday we had a fun event when we got to Indy. One of the riders, Alan, arranged a visit to the ZIPP wheel factory. We were given an extensive tour of the manufacturing line. For the non riders who are reading this, ZIPP makes very high end carbon wheels. It was a fascinating tour. There is a tremendous amount of hand labor that goes into making the wheel. Thus the reason for their price.
<br>
<br>The number of riders this year is very small. After losing two to knee injuries there are only 12 riders. However, that makes for an interesting dynamic. They have become a very tight knit group. As we watched them leave the beach in LA, the staff predicted they would be close. And they are. At every meal they want the tables arranges so that all 12 can be together. And last night they were plotting how they could all meet up to have lunch together while riding into Richmand, Indiana. I think "splitting up will be hard to do" in Boston.
<br>
<br>The weather has been great and the countryside bright and green the past few days.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-25128000810215916092014-06-10T22:38:00.000-07:002014-06-10T22:40:10.095-07:00Quincy to Springfield to Champaign<div><span></span></div><div><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div><br><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">First a report on the trip to Springfield, IL. Amazingly the skies were clear and everyone anticipated a nice and easy ride to Springfield. However, true to form for the XC 14 riders, there was a significant headwind the entire day. For the riders it was a 106 mile day which resulted in the fatigue piling on even more. This is the time of the trek when you wonder why you are even doing the ride. For me between truck and van driving I pedaled 25 miles. Not quite enough to satisfy me but that is how it worked out. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The bridge in the picture was a two lane bridge. So I had to just take my lane and go. There was absolutely no shoulder. I waited until the coast seemed clear and took off. It was not long before I c</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ould hear the 18 wheeler that came up behind me shift down and down and down. I spun my little legs as fast as I could, hoping the driver could see I was trying to move faster. As he moved past me on the other side, I gave him a nice sweet wave. Maybe that helped. As you can see from the picture, we are now in corn country. The corn is not very high but it is a lovely dark shade of green. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A rider, Randy, had to drop out of the tour in Liberal, KS, because of knee problems. He lives in Springfield and he and his wife hosted us for dinner. What a wonderful treat. I enjoyed watching the riders with their voracious appetites. A large tray of a variety of cheese was set before them out on the patio. I have never seen so much cheese disappear in such a hurry. The hoard simply descended and devoured it. That was followed by lasagne, fruit, and wonderful brownies and ice cream. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now fast forward to the ride to Champaign. It was cold, rainy, and just downright miserable. Add to that rough roads with no shoulder and the inevitable headwinds and you have riders that just wanted the day to end. I chose not to ride because I could and drove the SAG van all day. It was so cold I had to dig out the wool Indian blanket vest I bought in Santa Fe and put it on under my rain jacket. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Champaign is a much needed rest day. For me that means a trip to the laundromat to restock the supply of clean clothes. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYo0JtDAGBitEiCdMWCnPz3BAtT3whsu5iLncx09x4do_PoT-7g7K_3iFq2IjxayQlSA8atbURvoJ15FVWF5I6w7Smg1nW5ioDwQqLTL8iQ7jg-B_ERWEph8w5ftdPaDTy0JpLE-025Nd/s1600/image-710096.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYo0JtDAGBitEiCdMWCnPz3BAtT3whsu5iLncx09x4do_PoT-7g7K_3iFq2IjxayQlSA8atbURvoJ15FVWF5I6w7Smg1nW5ioDwQqLTL8iQ7jg-B_ERWEph8w5ftdPaDTy0JpLE-025Nd/s320/image-710096.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6023542215203920242" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq314-QWreM8XRp_q1pEr3J0CNA-E_xvOZ-NJXVCR01BhgNHe7tVxyCmHuDWvAnDKTj3G9PgP28HGG3XyuDCfnn81EWbEar9HuRlQOIgvak4UnQZBMKbOLTwSA3CIx5OSTTNUuzeWgRWMc/s1600/image-713431.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq314-QWreM8XRp_q1pEr3J0CNA-E_xvOZ-NJXVCR01BhgNHe7tVxyCmHuDWvAnDKTj3G9PgP28HGG3XyuDCfnn81EWbEar9HuRlQOIgvak4UnQZBMKbOLTwSA3CIx5OSTTNUuzeWgRWMc/s320/image-713431.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6023542226593728786" /></a><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii10LxfUGSreO50mqdDxe5Ni4M9EwVTEj04O_Hae3GwUW47x9Uka6U2ifSWtsKmYe9MMN8DnD0UPVJ-ooyIhsH18fg6jq3aSxXwl4J0eByC6jssjn2BQFiJFOmJQvX27hu1DdlQ5HnbLL-/s1600/image-715370.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii10LxfUGSreO50mqdDxe5Ni4M9EwVTEj04O_Hae3GwUW47x9Uka6U2ifSWtsKmYe9MMN8DnD0UPVJ-ooyIhsH18fg6jq3aSxXwl4J0eByC6jssjn2BQFiJFOmJQvX27hu1DdlQ5HnbLL-/s320/image-715370.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6023542236142675746" /></a><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqZc8QGIhCihwXV29iUKp7pBVzvcsCMMqxdfv-D9k1-sVIDUX7hyUktSEZYIh9ERXAAfXVTLN6cOMMXYpXDg_WmE8CV_ioTS4b4ChqGf0yWtpXrTAyUVHzmyGNm0eQpSoCQ0JY4GTkck_/s1600/image-717766.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqZc8QGIhCihwXV29iUKp7pBVzvcsCMMqxdfv-D9k1-sVIDUX7hyUktSEZYIh9ERXAAfXVTLN6cOMMXYpXDg_WmE8CV_ioTS4b4ChqGf0yWtpXrTAyUVHzmyGNm0eQpSoCQ0JY4GTkck_/s320/image-717766.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6023542246805492386" /></a><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXo1tsuLTHOazF5QAiIpgUH_7R6Lj2YBe2H7OH4yjLPLs4kCTtAaJ1kIEBdR9WqqXeMFZHE6uJcsLK0vzrEL3H_JEdKhFZFlR2Eii-M7ZGOilukAvQmNS4s6K1t9a_flGEZWHxAIU29Mk/s1600/image-720983.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXo1tsuLTHOazF5QAiIpgUH_7R6Lj2YBe2H7OH4yjLPLs4kCTtAaJ1kIEBdR9WqqXeMFZHE6uJcsLK0vzrEL3H_JEdKhFZFlR2Eii-M7ZGOilukAvQmNS4s6K1t9a_flGEZWHxAIU29Mk/s320/image-720983.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6023542258238169666" /></a><br></p>Sent from my iPhone</div></div>Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-43430220693064876782014-06-08T15:05:00.001-07:002014-06-08T15:05:51.807-07:00Chilocothe to Kirksville to Quincy<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM_MvqTmWMENoiOsCjqV_eqVKku_S3GoxY4MvAWJOtTNqT4iWkqBdnWD2VbMfnwlip1E9hqd6tjlM9GASXMDaMoNKtdcWRCWCWys_WKX9mh3BGQmocnewMbrHoUujUxf05MK0D0cQLO5L/s1600/image-751808.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM_MvqTmWMENoiOsCjqV_eqVKku_S3GoxY4MvAWJOtTNqT4iWkqBdnWD2VbMfnwlip1E9hqd6tjlM9GASXMDaMoNKtdcWRCWCWys_WKX9mh3BGQmocnewMbrHoUujUxf05MK0D0cQLO5L/s320/image-751808.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022682974182771490" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcr7M2z8M_1r_J6sg1xf5-e1zO8bN_uZt2j6fAOdkTcabxc143kbLVcbdc45V7d21urPASHC3tcw7W2nMl7q5-2SmzEBpgnjSw-5To6t6JmNrHTVDkg_ZeAMEyzWBeoGqb6jm5EvoKxO4/s1600/image-754908.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcr7M2z8M_1r_J6sg1xf5-e1zO8bN_uZt2j6fAOdkTcabxc143kbLVcbdc45V7d21urPASHC3tcw7W2nMl7q5-2SmzEBpgnjSw-5To6t6JmNrHTVDkg_ZeAMEyzWBeoGqb6jm5EvoKxO4/s320/image-754908.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022682982000027698" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCaXI-wR5y9qF8ARPmvT96zfZslbRXClWBHvfBJE8-tXoZkXp36zb0fkDCISoFwljPC95Qgx3DloZMHrW8AlJ5XW2Bf_HzJhk2Otgqy7rXDv5tQm3dYfaPZV3QYFAd3GleSBW_aSoryF5/s1600/image-757064.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCaXI-wR5y9qF8ARPmvT96zfZslbRXClWBHvfBJE8-tXoZkXp36zb0fkDCISoFwljPC95Qgx3DloZMHrW8AlJ5XW2Bf_HzJhk2Otgqy7rXDv5tQm3dYfaPZV3QYFAd3GleSBW_aSoryF5/s320/image-757064.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022682990541776594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezDy1b3SxmCxsurQvHftm8CB00Wr5LdPD1an9Qqu6tvIvWeaDwbPQvmf3UvUTpW30Guh1GRIh0Vk0niNA1Xj1uJT01kPuDZNSaCzbTxAPI3lC18zRIQy2Mw_TPcQtAwmVa69YLPz9EZ-l/s1600/image-760226.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezDy1b3SxmCxsurQvHftm8CB00Wr5LdPD1an9Qqu6tvIvWeaDwbPQvmf3UvUTpW30Guh1GRIh0Vk0niNA1Xj1uJT01kPuDZNSaCzbTxAPI3lC18zRIQy2Mw_TPcQtAwmVa69YLPz9EZ-l/s320/image-760226.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022683004421995282" /></a></p>I have no pictures of the ride to Kirksville. For those of you who have ridden that ride you know it is one rough riding day. It is the day of the 148 rolling Missouri hills. Now add to that a downpour all day and headwinds and you begin to get the picture. Most of the riders hung in there and did the entire ride. My hat goes off to them. It was really tough. I strategically chose not to ride. You see I can do that with a clear conscience this year. I drove the SAG van and set up the SAG in the pouring rain. I tried keeping their sandwiches dry as they ate them. But I wasn't very successful and got soaked through myself.
<br>
<br>Today going to Quincy was a very nice riding day. I was back to truck driving and riding. Put 44 miles on the bike. The weather was cool and cloudy. We crossed the mighty Mississippi which was very full of muddy brown water. It is hard to believe we have come 2000 miles and crossed 7 state lines. Soon the epic journey will be over. Many, if not all, of the riders are feeling fatigued. And the staff is feeling it also. As in other years the rest day in Champaign will really be a welcome respite.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-40520459045447954942014-06-06T19:44:00.001-07:002014-06-06T19:44:59.346-07:00Challenges of Missouri Hills<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl7RuVrcqxBXNfVxIj1JKZklnw8DpLL1k1R6Wk7dJ4Xt9bBB1QRm7voW-4Q_d7GajY_GanVxWuIlrzDBXbpKaanvYb28lXtNJ7mqQTeGzqKiaJPXKuy0dd7bcVfSHySmv7PrVp9ZiEkfz/s1600/image-799346.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl7RuVrcqxBXNfVxIj1JKZklnw8DpLL1k1R6Wk7dJ4Xt9bBB1QRm7voW-4Q_d7GajY_GanVxWuIlrzDBXbpKaanvYb28lXtNJ7mqQTeGzqKiaJPXKuy0dd7bcVfSHySmv7PrVp9ZiEkfz/s320/image-799346.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022012733631720658" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6nYhCXeENIqBYHkDryeYj3XuQZkyezf_R26G4XLFxhCmd3-5F81J_6aYiqe4DbH120r7LUU29raAVssgDgBceJhW9QygVsOLk90RH1hT4xgoH8VbR0w3FfB5MSykwsc-69RL8T4jxzBB/s1600/image-707039.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6nYhCXeENIqBYHkDryeYj3XuQZkyezf_R26G4XLFxhCmd3-5F81J_6aYiqe4DbH120r7LUU29raAVssgDgBceJhW9QygVsOLk90RH1hT4xgoH8VbR0w3FfB5MSykwsc-69RL8T4jxzBB/s320/image-707039.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022012760119641762" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G7sih7atSskLqBtyierckpqXwVP4boYCSz7mVZgeNrhDayowEWFkICts2L9faN-lmoP3-ucrhR4zF74sWYtMd5bKgidB10vCR4LYbrABNrO2F-L1aW1zTJ431R_QQibZo8-RaB4tsgYr/s1600/image-713892.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G7sih7atSskLqBtyierckpqXwVP4boYCSz7mVZgeNrhDayowEWFkICts2L9faN-lmoP3-ucrhR4zF74sWYtMd5bKgidB10vCR4LYbrABNrO2F-L1aW1zTJ431R_QQibZo8-RaB4tsgYr/s320/image-713892.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022012792539028018" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtuPWLBrewy024U9Fz0USK47fyY9UczvwgP8mo4XObrtN4Ko_V_fFtCrlNda-SBINVj-xpox39CcPqQNeNHZiYSPZPys4NYiqyAC2fZr73PBnGbBkjgXZpr2glRhZNbdfCSkj2ai4tjRw/s1600/image-720764.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtuPWLBrewy024U9Fz0USK47fyY9UczvwgP8mo4XObrtN4Ko_V_fFtCrlNda-SBINVj-xpox39CcPqQNeNHZiYSPZPys4NYiqyAC2fZr73PBnGbBkjgXZpr2glRhZNbdfCSkj2ai4tjRw/s320/image-720764.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022012821465498946" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4O6S9wDIkdcnbYTPxpq4ITW34tk6xfUV9RW5iDy76-4KXBodaMYuaTJlgge1iQT1Bg87r8mF39ai84lxekJzAwTSONquAQmSQWD8D3QZI6zJN4vkQ1NuxOYAGYT1yzOvEdFeSPusmbHT/s1600/image-723783.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4O6S9wDIkdcnbYTPxpq4ITW34tk6xfUV9RW5iDy76-4KXBodaMYuaTJlgge1iQT1Bg87r8mF39ai84lxekJzAwTSONquAQmSQWD8D3QZI6zJN4vkQ1NuxOYAGYT1yzOvEdFeSPusmbHT/s320/image-723783.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022012835946788386" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkJH54L5YpM2WRcVnV254Z4b6EeyUfUgO9rRzg7TFew_AtXrI9xabRvJhiQEvfD60iI1OcpqKDoUwsXslfRtWOBK1xeQQi_ceNw4XDA7-1jtGMdjQocLrTpIy8UpC8QbhDCXzWSgrR2W9/s1600/image-726090.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkJH54L5YpM2WRcVnV254Z4b6EeyUfUgO9rRzg7TFew_AtXrI9xabRvJhiQEvfD60iI1OcpqKDoUwsXslfRtWOBK1xeQQi_ceNw4XDA7-1jtGMdjQocLrTpIy8UpC8QbhDCXzWSgrR2W9/s320/image-726090.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6022012844333486290" /></a></p>Since I last wrote we have moved on from Kansas to Missouri. Leaving Kansas proved to be an adventure for half of the riders and a boring morning for the other half. The riders who normally leave at 7:00 just pulled away when the skies darkened and it started raining. After the rain got worse Robin and I got in the van and took off to keep track of them in order to get them off the road if the weather got worse. Of course by the time we found them, they were into the adventure of riding and didn't want to quit. They did take shelter a couple of times. The worst part was the winds at the trailing edge of the storm. They didn't last long but were nasty. The riders who were to leave at 7:30 were held at the hotel until 11:00 and didn't even get wet.
<br>
<br>Today I drove the truck the first 30 miles to Maysville. The DeKalb Historical society once again hosted us with homemade cinnamon rolls and peanut butter sandwiches. They are such sweet people and were delightful to talk with. One of the ladies asked me if I was riding a special bike. I think she was wondering if I had a tricycle bike. A 92 year old gentleman warned me about the steep hill a mile out of town. I pedaled from Maysville to Chilocothe (56 miles) and found more than one steep hill. In fact there was a whole string of them.
<br>
<br>There has been a lot of rain here and you can see that the rivers are quite full. But it sure makes the countryside nice and green.
<br>
<br>Oh yes, our room does get a bit messy.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-10456215685498253192014-06-05T02:28:00.001-07:002014-06-05T02:28:19.562-07:00Almost through Kansas<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqxMmQGP5rTgP4uhw9lpxZ8TiW49IQi6wVYdAk-upTT-9AbysXY2J0p8TUA-K0H61I1XxDkA74FoyLC0hUDBEQPr1ufAED4LosdRXsOeE8EEFqxUyJ9IEurOPr4wSI2A05H6scsuWaTNd/s1600/image-799562.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqxMmQGP5rTgP4uhw9lpxZ8TiW49IQi6wVYdAk-upTT-9AbysXY2J0p8TUA-K0H61I1XxDkA74FoyLC0hUDBEQPr1ufAED4LosdRXsOeE8EEFqxUyJ9IEurOPr4wSI2A05H6scsuWaTNd/s320/image-799562.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374500691407890" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoE5Rhc1bcyvZ32LjyoLUeeW5tArwtVxYpors460slYxaERlP6-mURauGF-k1F0Zji4x6XIxU_AefjaZFGL_6a9P_zXzW-OzNlVjoTPDbsm0WiFGOtgiCD3C_Wn92rOAqWITEiGfJuPut/s1600/image-702716.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoE5Rhc1bcyvZ32LjyoLUeeW5tArwtVxYpors460slYxaERlP6-mURauGF-k1F0Zji4x6XIxU_AefjaZFGL_6a9P_zXzW-OzNlVjoTPDbsm0WiFGOtgiCD3C_Wn92rOAqWITEiGfJuPut/s320/image-702716.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374513673664802" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaoLWbdcP2lJ8BZOhEnEFDpsy-ZHAEduccxJQHqZCJhyphenhyphenukgy7eMxcNjNA2_TtnCQtyLoyDXhGRcF23UHZgCWtkQYw5qxnYJL60-3j5PYwQ1djU2TSyFtrRE0VbO722I1Ba-R1CAMSLrKH/s1600/image-704643.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaoLWbdcP2lJ8BZOhEnEFDpsy-ZHAEduccxJQHqZCJhyphenhyphenukgy7eMxcNjNA2_TtnCQtyLoyDXhGRcF23UHZgCWtkQYw5qxnYJL60-3j5PYwQ1djU2TSyFtrRE0VbO722I1Ba-R1CAMSLrKH/s320/image-704643.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374519924483970" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohge6DublT7mZfdRueI7YjlIFgGqjcBRgveG1r-Zc-WrpX1PeGNl3h4jCF5SwjbF-PxG-AXhSg8HFyfgrS3NuIyMAp0Vo3Fq5Q3_rfDRsiceykhCPj0CLoI281pOj52bgtfJEW_0oLUXK/s1600/image-707158.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohge6DublT7mZfdRueI7YjlIFgGqjcBRgveG1r-Zc-WrpX1PeGNl3h4jCF5SwjbF-PxG-AXhSg8HFyfgrS3NuIyMAp0Vo3Fq5Q3_rfDRsiceykhCPj0CLoI281pOj52bgtfJEW_0oLUXK/s320/image-707158.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374528539497730" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4wqFgfmGKW1LtkPhQ-XbYoGAkeTC17S6JF2j7vKGt0xB1t0ZUjEdsgwN_ZY1-2u8uFhnhzSKRO-3MWnzWRTrUdP4-Hqd87qTI9mlEqEGO-3Buyha9RPzcnLAStSN0JDjtpThPYawGMFj/s1600/image-709124.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4wqFgfmGKW1LtkPhQ-XbYoGAkeTC17S6JF2j7vKGt0xB1t0ZUjEdsgwN_ZY1-2u8uFhnhzSKRO-3MWnzWRTrUdP4-Hqd87qTI9mlEqEGO-3Buyha9RPzcnLAStSN0JDjtpThPYawGMFj/s320/image-709124.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374538565750066" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikttsSXzDZCxg1uxt05btl08sBYNM_nrV8uyxUie5MNgddA8scq4Kbi7Uz82_e974Uwacgzp5b0OuBNIOZyRElxOXZaWG8CvUsNQTUL3Zj_s17EYoVOAfJarMJfGCWD_hz0pImpLPCnct4/s1600/image-711264.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikttsSXzDZCxg1uxt05btl08sBYNM_nrV8uyxUie5MNgddA8scq4Kbi7Uz82_e974Uwacgzp5b0OuBNIOZyRElxOXZaWG8CvUsNQTUL3Zj_s17EYoVOAfJarMJfGCWD_hz0pImpLPCnct4/s320/image-711264.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374549265732018" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ydjYNQOWDrRPhJghwCf7tNv7Mlv-mVN2HkGegDSCRkG5Ifg9U1qFafET0S7nF_amVD8huthJw5wb9AEFw9yHnhj1tTN7X6uX_CVwDKBTxJjJ1Jep4fxOuov-Ct66yLyK4NPrJclf8CdV/s1600/image-713644.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ydjYNQOWDrRPhJghwCf7tNv7Mlv-mVN2HkGegDSCRkG5Ifg9U1qFafET0S7nF_amVD8huthJw5wb9AEFw9yHnhj1tTN7X6uX_CVwDKBTxJjJ1Jep4fxOuov-Ct66yLyK4NPrJclf8CdV/s320/image-713644.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374562070179378" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Se_t_Qo59piSU2kSpwTB8S6xvwAmyL1wf6O7Mx1AKCp0SDAgZFKuoBiWT_1ThRvjUsLyypqrT4bdy0ctUHePzgWoz8vborv1OoeQcBc5Q7pDgmA7l-Pl6-nCuRgHHOxL1VHOvbTKX4JU/s1600/image-716065.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Se_t_Qo59piSU2kSpwTB8S6xvwAmyL1wf6O7Mx1AKCp0SDAgZFKuoBiWT_1ThRvjUsLyypqrT4bdy0ctUHePzgWoz8vborv1OoeQcBc5Q7pDgmA7l-Pl6-nCuRgHHOxL1VHOvbTKX4JU/s320/image-716065.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6021374569815171346" /></a></p>We have had some beautiful days of riding to Abilene and then to Topeka. The flat western Kansas has changed to luscious green rolling hills. Of course the riding is harder in the hills but the scenery is amazing. In between the riding we had a great day of rest in Abilene.
<br>
<br>Carol is gone and that is sad. She is a good friend as well as an amazing food preparation lady. So she officially handed the kitchen over to Eileen and I. We had our first SAG responsibility day today. I guess the food was OK. No one complained anyway.
<br>
<br>Yesterday was marred by construction that we couldn't get through. The result of that was having to take a detour which dropped us off onto I70. That was not fun. I took the first exit back off. Then I was trying to figure out how to get to the hotel because I was way off route. That would have been easy with Google maps but my phone battery died. I followed the sounds of the freeway and headed in what I hoped was the right direction. As soon as I could, I used the old fashioned method of asking directions. I was heading the correct way and made it in.
<br>
<br>There was no chance to have dinner last night as Eileen and I had to go shopping for food for the next day and then prepare it. We were cleaning dishes in the very small bathroom, cutting food at the desk, etc. Hopefully the food preparation will go easier going forward.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-70731010766371288422014-06-02T03:23:00.001-07:002014-06-02T03:23:22.616-07:00Great Bend to McPherson<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrymDVko6-bm2cefNa-0k9S709RbQvx32DLBbVSe6a2yo0Tjx2VUtv0O0B_3xI4bB4ZqIjRTAWqcLI9luGv483NvFYDxNucXb2A1s3b2OsSc9U6j6WgH-CMpXc85e3kg1FQiwjA2z7WRD/s1600/image-702616.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrymDVko6-bm2cefNa-0k9S709RbQvx32DLBbVSe6a2yo0Tjx2VUtv0O0B_3xI4bB4ZqIjRTAWqcLI9luGv483NvFYDxNucXb2A1s3b2OsSc9U6j6WgH-CMpXc85e3kg1FQiwjA2z7WRD/s320/image-702616.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6020275431180152866" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg190ygjc_vQ5b8QiLrcgcS76rZQNrLmn1mMUpuv6iDScYaLILi7nL_1egchQ2ULzI9aZ4A2XsDsQ5EvIYHtInTk4flsXEo11ypzgJTkvohKbktqlgA1QoPFMMxs5EXDD2uMSj-uXRf64bO/s1600/image-705474.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg190ygjc_vQ5b8QiLrcgcS76rZQNrLmn1mMUpuv6iDScYaLILi7nL_1egchQ2ULzI9aZ4A2XsDsQ5EvIYHtInTk4flsXEo11ypzgJTkvohKbktqlgA1QoPFMMxs5EXDD2uMSj-uXRf64bO/s320/image-705474.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6020275440983495218" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0NOt84LXXqic6UGXFaoI1SzwMnroGHGrrs3aKIgwUIvUgR6m2uMWaV4rRyRh9lQnERB5Gp2OhtWPfH-0aPe9unSgUnJ9vJ8EfPQK00VYXN0dswnQCf9ynqrJlLoJzaLo4D4urwNHPMZz/s1600/image-707671.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0NOt84LXXqic6UGXFaoI1SzwMnroGHGrrs3aKIgwUIvUgR6m2uMWaV4rRyRh9lQnERB5Gp2OhtWPfH-0aPe9unSgUnJ9vJ8EfPQK00VYXN0dswnQCf9ynqrJlLoJzaLo4D4urwNHPMZz/s320/image-707671.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6020275452068547618" /></a></p>I had the great pleasure of riding wit Rik the mechanic today. Not only is he a nice guy, but he is tall and blocks the wind. And true to form, today was another windy Kansas day. It was a quartering cross wind so I positioned myself to take maximum advantage of the situation. After 44 miles I was happy to get in the truck and go to the hotel to deliver luggage.
<br>
<br>Tonight was dinner at Applebee's. This manager looks forward to us coming, takes a picture of the riders and has them sign a menu. As we left to walk back to the hotel, you could see a big storm moving in. When it hit, it was indeed a big deluge. Glad we were not out on the road.
<br>
<br>One more riding day and it will be a much needed rest day.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-4355751022437861612014-06-01T04:01:00.001-07:002014-06-01T04:01:39.878-07:00Dodge City to Great Bend KS<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBf0ATreogUZcmaFsBcQjWFppDG7kruv-t-XLKxw23DGb-FL2x4A1Dpln0UZfootisUsSG5yIbZ3APUNKaVYxcPZQkrF7PV3DutnMN4gKicsiWBlGbZcLh4iZ8zeIpQu4q58YlkKClzyT/s1600/image-799878.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBf0ATreogUZcmaFsBcQjWFppDG7kruv-t-XLKxw23DGb-FL2x4A1Dpln0UZfootisUsSG5yIbZ3APUNKaVYxcPZQkrF7PV3DutnMN4gKicsiWBlGbZcLh4iZ8zeIpQu4q58YlkKClzyT/s320/image-799878.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019914209067605490" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjGRj3nABX7ID3C1_mndx8vl8RyX0KAC8ddeRRgtp1WHNTmMy7CbwnkGDnvwqGRZruBLZQnKgorcwzMXpHWAxHEjxaDzwbOBpVeieRd9pHT4QYkm_7QcMODwNG_5iIyywFYqGio8muTeo/s1600/image-702284.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjGRj3nABX7ID3C1_mndx8vl8RyX0KAC8ddeRRgtp1WHNTmMy7CbwnkGDnvwqGRZruBLZQnKgorcwzMXpHWAxHEjxaDzwbOBpVeieRd9pHT4QYkm_7QcMODwNG_5iIyywFYqGio8muTeo/s320/image-702284.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019914219989283346" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktQEu1cwt9OUCfS4a6MAvD8ww4CUzMJ_24qsTYSah7DcqocxYT1tz1QeFI3KPIgva4psLDW2L1Hh415dGeQ5Vb4qQ57uHZaBfxkBKH-Rqye_Z76pPDNqYlccW3OWGZ_7K3oBNVv-QpbjK/s1600/image-704720.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktQEu1cwt9OUCfS4a6MAvD8ww4CUzMJ_24qsTYSah7DcqocxYT1tz1QeFI3KPIgva4psLDW2L1Hh415dGeQ5Vb4qQ57uHZaBfxkBKH-Rqye_Z76pPDNqYlccW3OWGZ_7K3oBNVv-QpbjK/s320/image-704720.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019914233515760594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4IeQfEw7iYYhfDtyuuEB_Htat1CqNDx4vy3jC5M6P4QeUmj2OKEF51PmAkVCyc2_Ajfd4h_Vz2YqFVrr4IG3AnYoRjJimgEf4LHcsNEhtKZ-1R7yOdKAA9h5hbBQBIFap_uOZvTbmdz1/s1600/image-707237.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4IeQfEw7iYYhfDtyuuEB_Htat1CqNDx4vy3jC5M6P4QeUmj2OKEF51PmAkVCyc2_Ajfd4h_Vz2YqFVrr4IG3AnYoRjJimgEf4LHcsNEhtKZ-1R7yOdKAA9h5hbBQBIFap_uOZvTbmdz1/s320/image-707237.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019914242947610418" /></a></p>Yet another day in Kansas. It takes a long time to get across Kansas when you go due East. And pretty much that is what we do. We get on the bike, ride out of town, get on a road going east, spot a grain elevator down the road, point the nose of the bike at the grain elevator and peddle. Sometimes there is a wide shoulder and sometimes a narrow shoulder. But always there are 18 wheeler trucks. Today some of them were hauling the amazingly big blades for the wind turbines. Most of the truckers move over to give us room when they have a chance. Only once or twice did I have to suck it in so to speak.
<br>
<br>I rode the full 84 miles today. Now I remember what that is like. Many of the riders are talking about fatigue. It is no wonder as they are approaching the halfway point of the trip. Two more days of riding and there will be a much appreciated rest day.
<br>
<br>What a surprise last night. There was a knock on the door and a woman came in with a lovely birthday cake. We told her she must have the wrong room. But no it said Happy Birthday Jan on it. Right room. Robert and Jill have send a cake every year so I could celebrate with the riders. This year Norm and I were off on our own that day. So they surprised me last night. It was delicious and the group enjoyed it after pizza. This cake weighed at least 20 pounds. So they will enjoy it again at the SAG stop today. Thanks Robert and Jill.
<br>
<br>Yesterday Carol and Eilene and I tried to find a downtown Great Bend to shop around in. What little we found was empty. The signs on the window said the stores closed at noon on Saturday. Reminded me of Germany.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-15734841341457698582014-05-31T02:46:00.001-07:002014-05-31T02:46:27.654-07:00Liberal to Dodge City<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcN_2gpKftq8Yv1c2nFgFTazaDmhNP5PsEKEyAepviJaFka1gMEjvltvlRlaezDxXZXG8aSobJPf-cJAO5It-EftP-ItgqXMP-3wPlNcxYUnHKl1xkI5fmzhdXh3HEo42-PKzODLqzTW88/s1600/image-787654.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcN_2gpKftq8Yv1c2nFgFTazaDmhNP5PsEKEyAepviJaFka1gMEjvltvlRlaezDxXZXG8aSobJPf-cJAO5It-EftP-ItgqXMP-3wPlNcxYUnHKl1xkI5fmzhdXh3HEo42-PKzODLqzTW88/s320/image-787654.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019523746276146482" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky14SShI2PqANxfSVxrez_AKiRjYboWEXaG-XlK4k4tg-k1RBapBTr2al7Gunw-9nYPhxsy0k_ybLBoQpzP2VfLiZbVjZ-xUrKzNiajyp5AS1Kxj3tMj7lzxMVk0LtthDjR8YJsDAoLQ3/s1600/image-790314.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky14SShI2PqANxfSVxrez_AKiRjYboWEXaG-XlK4k4tg-k1RBapBTr2al7Gunw-9nYPhxsy0k_ybLBoQpzP2VfLiZbVjZ-xUrKzNiajyp5AS1Kxj3tMj7lzxMVk0LtthDjR8YJsDAoLQ3/s320/image-790314.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019523757632330306" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDKdaD4g-1k0wXb0Y8yIPBl4h1GTe7B3AnV6c_Zc0QQJUDrfXaX37cHpHdReVaN_Ja7xZPQ4a2ITybPNp6SmAFuLyTHsCQsKxLK2yoIV52aoj8faFblc8NSVfQTeUKYiVXK1UgAn15wTp/s1600/image-792747.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDKdaD4g-1k0wXb0Y8yIPBl4h1GTe7B3AnV6c_Zc0QQJUDrfXaX37cHpHdReVaN_Ja7xZPQ4a2ITybPNp6SmAFuLyTHsCQsKxLK2yoIV52aoj8faFblc8NSVfQTeUKYiVXK1UgAn15wTp/s320/image-792747.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019523770516074722" /></a></p>As the winds in Kansas go, today was a relatively easy day. There were some headwinds, quartering tailwinds, crosswinds. The normal array of wind for Kansas. Luckily they were not very strong. So it was an OK day to be out for 43 miles. I drove the truck to the SAG at the Dalton Gang Hideout and rode in from there. That is such a green shady spot for a SAG that I hated to leave.
<br>
<br>Kansas apparently has not had a lot of rain. The wheat we have seen so far is very short and looks quite parched. This is the part of the country with small towns and grain elevators. And the people are fun to talk to. One poor little girl in the convenience store hid behind the counter. She told her older sister she was afraid of me because I looked like a biker. Two women in the same store, when finding out I was going to Dodge City, expressed their condolences. I asked why. The answer was that a huge stench comes from the sewage treatment plant outside of town. And it is the Dodge City people who are creating all that sewage. Good reasoning I guess. Probably as logical as most of us are.
<br>
<br>Yesterday one of our riders had to go home. Randy has been trying to ride with a very sore knee/leg since leaving LA. Finally he decided to drive home to Springfield and get it checked out. We are hoping he can rejoin. Such a sweetheart of a guy.
<br>
<br>Alan the retired dentist made a discovery today. To quote Alan: "The big discovery today was an electrolyte rich food that I discovered and realized that for those of us unable to eat bananas, it is a fine substitute. It has 280 cal, 140 mg potassium, 75 mg sodium, 4 g of protein, and 24 g of carbs. A GU gel has only 100 cal, 35 mg potassium, 45 mg sodium, no protein, and 25 g of carbs. What is this delightful energy treat you ask? It's a Blue Bunny 'Big Alaska' (Blue Bunny's Klondike alternative). Now, you may say "oh, it's full of fat" and I would say that yes, all of the additional 180 calories over the GU gel do come from fat, but, WHO CARES when you're riding so many miles in the humid heat and it's a choice of ice cream or hot energy gel?" I am sure there will be a run on these in the little stores along the route today. And they will wonder about the sudden interest on them.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-76587734856548045222014-05-29T19:16:00.001-07:002014-05-29T19:16:50.954-07:00Dalhart to Guyman to Liberal<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB74IVm6K1uM7g-67feHB9aC5CuYQZ0cHd5tTMolnQ4o-5-RCOcFVxOXISFQYV2gGkshWI-6voh4g9gh-CKa1YTljZ5nfx5EYi-kMQDYQV30ZzSYn1iNLiV9-1yaci3mSqqj6gUfq1jxd/s1600/image-710954.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB74IVm6K1uM7g-67feHB9aC5CuYQZ0cHd5tTMolnQ4o-5-RCOcFVxOXISFQYV2gGkshWI-6voh4g9gh-CKa1YTljZ5nfx5EYi-kMQDYQV30ZzSYn1iNLiV9-1yaci3mSqqj6gUfq1jxd/s320/image-710954.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019036798708108450" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bxtRJ-Ozec07bqQfD1u1sjUwONc6nIeHESTJH4KOU6vVZ3SUfCBZuaLf_BZ8vmvZqChkXu7WFnYUNM1hc1JNCiI4_7pJJd1ZDT3hdxVnFfb4UpJ2hGx969UuQhlxWnrwI62Q3IzRZKeS/s1600/image-714480.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bxtRJ-Ozec07bqQfD1u1sjUwONc6nIeHESTJH4KOU6vVZ3SUfCBZuaLf_BZ8vmvZqChkXu7WFnYUNM1hc1JNCiI4_7pJJd1ZDT3hdxVnFfb4UpJ2hGx969UuQhlxWnrwI62Q3IzRZKeS/s320/image-714480.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019036811313777330" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHMAQybA2ms44SebMLWTIlZNB7XdOrrv2-CKqbpXr1hYNP9MqIH1BLlbbVgGDwP4xX5CZgoejs3KzXGpr5NZB2HAQZF8qx4_xCNX6rBqqVpyRrEoFT7-lJYqao79Ra-pBo1NNwvvKpATT/s1600/image-716224.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHMAQybA2ms44SebMLWTIlZNB7XdOrrv2-CKqbpXr1hYNP9MqIH1BLlbbVgGDwP4xX5CZgoejs3KzXGpr5NZB2HAQZF8qx4_xCNX6rBqqVpyRrEoFT7-lJYqao79Ra-pBo1NNwvvKpATT/s320/image-716224.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019036816192659746" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnqbr7WdBMPqWyB20nc-LpQyDj5QCo6coXAnhiZRKQ1mOVx2pSpv2zJKHYpULdlH8IaaEUrJH45-xcTTXHc4x8dKN82z6ZekOgHrV17_WNy9JXvgF-Pndy62BHprKpuJQd8Uuofh_sABy/s1600/image-718282.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnqbr7WdBMPqWyB20nc-LpQyDj5QCo6coXAnhiZRKQ1mOVx2pSpv2zJKHYpULdlH8IaaEUrJH45-xcTTXHc4x8dKN82z6ZekOgHrV17_WNy9JXvgF-Pndy62BHprKpuJQd8Uuofh_sABy/s320/image-718282.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019036828587121250" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91FlJ3f88oPnx1Pb-FmUZiL7pT00BLy-Sa7hpETRZyYzWK6eomD-npyvLaum3zaHD43GcdKZZplmsWp5_fphvoz13gL5Y0dXZNAj1Y6KqO_7V81PXQowcnA4YzrkIs6-a5NahvjCBoFR0/s1600/image-720388.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91FlJ3f88oPnx1Pb-FmUZiL7pT00BLy-Sa7hpETRZyYzWK6eomD-npyvLaum3zaHD43GcdKZZplmsWp5_fphvoz13gL5Y0dXZNAj1Y6KqO_7V81PXQowcnA4YzrkIs6-a5NahvjCBoFR0/s320/image-720388.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019036833434314258" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVsL_nHXN1uIEiyjWkoBm562U5kP2M2f4gGZxQbU2Q99CDGzJvVZE2ccjqWqPwmZvCYOdS2-tT48DUYUn8u6Y3gdaR4oPKVWtXy5UquU6aURrHf0qm_RPX35SqHt1zcl49ObYGXh4c_Yz/s1600/image-722781.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVsL_nHXN1uIEiyjWkoBm562U5kP2M2f4gGZxQbU2Q99CDGzJvVZE2ccjqWqPwmZvCYOdS2-tT48DUYUn8u6Y3gdaR4oPKVWtXy5UquU6aURrHf0qm_RPX35SqHt1zcl49ObYGXh4c_Yz/s320/image-722781.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6019036849839982530" /></a></p>I spent the Dalhart to Guyman section working. I did a shift driving the truck to the SAG and then the sweep van to the hotel. The SAG was at a Dairy Queen. The generosity of people in this area was displayed at the DQ. The manager gave ice cream treats to all of the riders who came in. What a a generous thing for her to do.
<br>
<br>When Carol and Elaine and I were finishing loading the truck in the morning, a lady came by and said: "oh, three girls and a truck." So we had her take our picture.
<br>
<br>Today was a short 40 miles to Liberal. I was riding the whole way so I left early in order to arrive before Tom did with the truck and bags that needed unloading. It was a fantastic day for a ride. There was a slight tailwind and a smooth road with a wide shoulder and few inclines. After I was out for about 15 miles, Rik caught up with me and we rode together. Today was the crossing into Kansas. Liberal has a great air museum. Note the picture of the airmen from the 1940's sitting on the same Texas sign where we had our picture taken. The airmen would go to Texas to get away from Kansas.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-28483686957375610062014-05-27T15:08:00.001-07:002014-05-27T15:08:14.581-07:00Tucumcari to Dalhart TX<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-2uIX_HrvrVmLH-GrHbujI2awWwTmV26F6IabfWgKXDxbhWfwpa7LXXZwZM8yw8xg2w5UBbke7U4mWGhY_XOPhBrFXaen2p5_9Ip7c2BZhDnhYvZ5HQbEBqPh8Qd9h6tVI4HOVYGPj6X/s1600/image-794582.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-2uIX_HrvrVmLH-GrHbujI2awWwTmV26F6IabfWgKXDxbhWfwpa7LXXZwZM8yw8xg2w5UBbke7U4mWGhY_XOPhBrFXaen2p5_9Ip7c2BZhDnhYvZ5HQbEBqPh8Qd9h6tVI4HOVYGPj6X/s320/image-794582.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018230567499420962" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSC25ZB6FoZmU1vRr4mlMJcP7rdpoc-jVu4XoL3708khlIMlwFq8nsCM_NB8-JqlDZ8U6zpKSgc79kKR275_mDlyItVFVm7j42oWZT2JDRuY_PM4s2oJBBNLNdHIlgghONg1Ngo_P3F0R/s1600/image-798354.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSC25ZB6FoZmU1vRr4mlMJcP7rdpoc-jVu4XoL3708khlIMlwFq8nsCM_NB8-JqlDZ8U6zpKSgc79kKR275_mDlyItVFVm7j42oWZT2JDRuY_PM4s2oJBBNLNdHIlgghONg1Ngo_P3F0R/s320/image-798354.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018230574061473442" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iuZJ6yZLBpBAl8Gu27Cw92MvF2El6wxeyH2f9yw_BrBcj8tB76ZzkSYpv8ziWnLuXf5xdts-Oid6QKtdqJXWWOj5jK-p8KDyjsfemXW5C58ckM79tDzP9YgCh1bL28A8P_fQ2icPU3DN/s1600/image-700107.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iuZJ6yZLBpBAl8Gu27Cw92MvF2El6wxeyH2f9yw_BrBcj8tB76ZzkSYpv8ziWnLuXf5xdts-Oid6QKtdqJXWWOj5jK-p8KDyjsfemXW5C58ckM79tDzP9YgCh1bL28A8P_fQ2icPU3DN/s320/image-700107.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018230584539776706" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOuaAmgaVRfQS4r0FG3dskzL7WLDf6JDdOHym9IQyedAUX7gnF3TR5aYMDhjzEY5-3hWbj7HzzAC9J84cg5sOxtL8rndPc3cn_CmyMHK5mOhj_CNmAR68f3D7AI5ZTuPtdcUtgw8GOOMs/s1600/image-702045.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOuaAmgaVRfQS4r0FG3dskzL7WLDf6JDdOHym9IQyedAUX7gnF3TR5aYMDhjzEY5-3hWbj7HzzAC9J84cg5sOxtL8rndPc3cn_CmyMHK5mOhj_CNmAR68f3D7AI5ZTuPtdcUtgw8GOOMs/s320/image-702045.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018230592679697042" /></a></p>We are now in Texas. Even though this is a very large state, we only see one little corner and will be in Oklahoma tomorrow. The day started out with a bit of tailwind and a bit warmer than yesterday. Luckily I was riding the 30 miles to the first SAG because it turned into a headwind later in the day.
<br>
<br>The ride to the SAG was quite uneventful. The major thing I saw was trains. There are a lot of them out here and they will usually blow their whistle if you wave at them.
<br>
<br>After the SAG I drove the truck to the Texas state line. This is the best state sign on the tour. It is made of concrete and has holes in it that are rumored to be bullet holes. Of course everyone stopped and posed for a photo.
<br>
<br>After the state line I helped Carol and Eilene in the vans. You never know what you might have to do. The second SAG was at a rest stop where there was construction. The rest area was closed but Carol and Eilene managed to get the vans in through the cones. They were back off the road and difficult to see. So I went back to the road and sat on the concrete barrier directing riders into the SAG. Today was the day we went past the feedlots and I could smell them 30 miles away as I sat there.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-91963885648060888962014-05-27T02:40:00.001-07:002014-05-27T02:40:37.778-07:00Las Vegas to Tucumcari<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialVGhJAxTOspbayZvRPO5NhO1vbx7FecVkc_SwZy8N71HPr7od5ysCpj31suECfBSAO9DezjmZq-8I9pnV9ofz-cSuXU0bfkpdtocue_7F2ozZ0lTSxSZ5OAda9ybf86SXp5oYDOIEaPZ/s1600/image-737778.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialVGhJAxTOspbayZvRPO5NhO1vbx7FecVkc_SwZy8N71HPr7od5ysCpj31suECfBSAO9DezjmZq-8I9pnV9ofz-cSuXU0bfkpdtocue_7F2ozZ0lTSxSZ5OAda9ybf86SXp5oYDOIEaPZ/s320/image-737778.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037902665773426" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7fIYIHdwG4T1pJNMcFfPW3itGM0MrHhey-SX8MlF8Pp_8OsT0UCpMMhuogi-jlYALsayVoAKErJNtReTOre826BgqYA4bVBzJ-miACbLWnE_6nJLjrexSJYa0mdP0hXjTgSbn7HEhlJt/s1600/image-741659.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7fIYIHdwG4T1pJNMcFfPW3itGM0MrHhey-SX8MlF8Pp_8OsT0UCpMMhuogi-jlYALsayVoAKErJNtReTOre826BgqYA4bVBzJ-miACbLWnE_6nJLjrexSJYa0mdP0hXjTgSbn7HEhlJt/s320/image-741659.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037920430178466" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTL_T7-HsZO86ee-NxT69NmzmRlzE5HpQSyFakApGtzu_ByFpL0KrsOTNHBfwYH6zYSim1CypNvPQSUELzuBoudWjYvZGtXP9HhqmP2YtyRUtFdQ_3_dAE9PTKe3muQQ5D-fiTmwhzwlY/s1600/image-744193.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTL_T7-HsZO86ee-NxT69NmzmRlzE5HpQSyFakApGtzu_ByFpL0KrsOTNHBfwYH6zYSim1CypNvPQSUELzuBoudWjYvZGtXP9HhqmP2YtyRUtFdQ_3_dAE9PTKe3muQQ5D-fiTmwhzwlY/s320/image-744193.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037927756799234" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYyJYS33uWU7tn78rYzS_oxrnclzpDLLfXhEfhYnDnQBpZyuRAglIk-F0F2Lln5BqmeHjxodkwU-JRaXNW2LCgDR0HcwNoVlU-AcxPdFbUhWt1v61-SYl78Ll31doBQvrL9-pKHpQhdXZ/s1600/image-746256.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYyJYS33uWU7tn78rYzS_oxrnclzpDLLfXhEfhYnDnQBpZyuRAglIk-F0F2Lln5BqmeHjxodkwU-JRaXNW2LCgDR0HcwNoVlU-AcxPdFbUhWt1v61-SYl78Ll31doBQvrL9-pKHpQhdXZ/s320/image-746256.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037938204450322" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcv1fkTj5PUvibRRv2PJIO5gIW6TJd692TLp0nX7iAzKsxOKO6_MKFwlvvOA4JikfLnk3D5Eeg-QA3VSDNjo9_nC3JHPdeB-PSijkWSq9zCIl3XPBmjotpIGBrdR0gh09u6xIEaN8Qf7Lv/s1600/image-750929.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcv1fkTj5PUvibRRv2PJIO5gIW6TJd692TLp0nX7iAzKsxOKO6_MKFwlvvOA4JikfLnk3D5Eeg-QA3VSDNjo9_nC3JHPdeB-PSijkWSq9zCIl3XPBmjotpIGBrdR0gh09u6xIEaN8Qf7Lv/s320/image-750929.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037958750928434" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindKjCl3cZwNJMNjfEuYyc9VC8zQBwWjnfFJBrLZLX_rJ7aKB0u5g-KTlePLZILkdxhW8EwDPL5FeNYE4z22QyN2MiJ5BNPKpc-WRXiqozVOv8gV6XNAw-kYx4N142bqzvVrMk9W30oTu2/s1600/image-752900.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindKjCl3cZwNJMNjfEuYyc9VC8zQBwWjnfFJBrLZLX_rJ7aKB0u5g-KTlePLZILkdxhW8EwDPL5FeNYE4z22QyN2MiJ5BNPKpc-WRXiqozVOv8gV6XNAw-kYx4N142bqzvVrMk9W30oTu2/s320/image-752900.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037969330717186" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgTWMCsKZY3m0T6vAaQ15iatxRBaMdUYalidbhQVm4YI6y5M_DNchDfKDKFAc-gPnWvsosVN7Knexz18yA3gycp2GVcLCE9eKObRkvGHUITya9oKIAKgMv0ZdGIY4H9LuSP7Q-Xys4JF0/s1600/image-754690.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgTWMCsKZY3m0T6vAaQ15iatxRBaMdUYalidbhQVm4YI6y5M_DNchDfKDKFAc-gPnWvsosVN7Knexz18yA3gycp2GVcLCE9eKObRkvGHUITya9oKIAKgMv0ZdGIY4H9LuSP7Q-Xys4JF0/s320/image-754690.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037974020171090" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVQb42NLAuRJQKJHGG1hjf7KgyAeHFfRMXsZR12tc_-KgGDHWMOWwcLFLvA7TinwySmSUn_iv7zCjX0s0Hp16rjWcjZ1B7ZXsR6x0Bhn-QZqi3-z_P6zef30L06oZWI-96PIKIVGhd6Qk/s1600/image-756617.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVQb42NLAuRJQKJHGG1hjf7KgyAeHFfRMXsZR12tc_-KgGDHWMOWwcLFLvA7TinwySmSUn_iv7zCjX0s0Hp16rjWcjZ1B7ZXsR6x0Bhn-QZqi3-z_P6zef30L06oZWI-96PIKIVGhd6Qk/s320/image-756617.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6018037986393304946" /></a></p>Typically this is one of the hardest rides of the tour. It is 107 miles and is usually very hot. This is one of the prettiest rides though.
<br>
<br>As the days have been going all tour, there was nothing typical about this year. The riders started in 42 degrees weather. On my bike it never got above 71. There was a cloud cover most of the way. Storms were in the distance all around. But the riders skirted them all. Eilene got poured on breaking down a SAG. But all the riders were gone. And the last riders came in to the hotel just before a downpour hit. Those of you who have done this ride would never believe this was the ride to Tucumcari.
<br>
<br>I drove the truck to the first SAG. As I was prepping the truck, some guy came by and said "nice office." Which it is. When I got to the SAG, I got my bike ready, loaded up on gels and took off. After having some Garmin issues and dropping the chain off the big ring in front everything smoothed out. I had a magical ride for 41 miles. The country was beautiful. It has been raining here so the rivers had water in them. I cannot remember when I last enjoyed a ride this much. I even got to do The Wall. This is 8-10% grade for .7 mile. Beautiful rock structures coming up that road. I was at the top before the riders, so I stayed there. Whenever a rider came up, I took their picture, rang the cowbell, and gave them Chocolate milk. They seemed to appreciate that.
<br>
<br>Then the rest of the day was supporting riders on the road, shopping for the next day, and cleaning and stocking the vans.
<br>
<br>I did not see this rattlesnake on the road but some of the riders did and heard his rattle.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-85009577458996998612014-05-25T15:19:00.001-07:002014-05-25T15:19:38.807-07:00Santa Fe to Las Vegas NM<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtr_MFK8-RNgJUJuUCVBSaQ5V_CHsgQDHfwVfGSCl1CK5czucPoarsyeNj8fa2nDBvxemRO3So7UPdcWruecxmj0awg5kuDJDkiXpdf_yFXEin9Ws15hiY9SYrCQb5gSoCCVplTgeYn3L/s1600/image-778807.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtr_MFK8-RNgJUJuUCVBSaQ5V_CHsgQDHfwVfGSCl1CK5czucPoarsyeNj8fa2nDBvxemRO3So7UPdcWruecxmj0awg5kuDJDkiXpdf_yFXEin9Ws15hiY9SYrCQb5gSoCCVplTgeYn3L/s320/image-778807.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017491330691967762" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVOyV9-_dY-v3M-ny8qA20THYLgQC1eNMAeDV7_jkJifTZAXv7RnqoesvhBILjcV02OE3cE6oYoHTzm12VkLxYvxYJzVPcpXMdOO3VhT-LZnm0rWscsZaQ_JXJr4TXeLUJ1_D-YwNZ3KZ/s1600/image-780966.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVOyV9-_dY-v3M-ny8qA20THYLgQC1eNMAeDV7_jkJifTZAXv7RnqoesvhBILjcV02OE3cE6oYoHTzm12VkLxYvxYJzVPcpXMdOO3VhT-LZnm0rWscsZaQ_JXJr4TXeLUJ1_D-YwNZ3KZ/s320/image-780966.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017491337520073106" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5kRw7nHqHQ0FHXeQWTE5pnpSPaMIrhPelBesR9-vmvYo9gaWQcMqlciwLLMYDPOa4BmOm2BeokUUInJX7qhSLL05-2ZeWJr-1WwQS9rARDO_9PQtsvn-iQXRG1uuQF4hsGNWblmlmeYf/s1600/image-783559.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5kRw7nHqHQ0FHXeQWTE5pnpSPaMIrhPelBesR9-vmvYo9gaWQcMqlciwLLMYDPOa4BmOm2BeokUUInJX7qhSLL05-2ZeWJr-1WwQS9rARDO_9PQtsvn-iQXRG1uuQF4hsGNWblmlmeYf/s320/image-783559.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017491348261031586" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpqnlTUVsmxlJplprogd9Bm-7Q8LhtMNJZY_oBfYenmwcKm18VxyZCZbvYjoWwjNDY7__2l-R-7PxTZv3NvAoGM12N22Upn6vjkBWxd067V4I07F-sSye_rTWIUNs07YHqfabIBjbY-es/s1600/image-785614.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpqnlTUVsmxlJplprogd9Bm-7Q8LhtMNJZY_oBfYenmwcKm18VxyZCZbvYjoWwjNDY7__2l-R-7PxTZv3NvAoGM12N22Upn6vjkBWxd067V4I07F-sSye_rTWIUNs07YHqfabIBjbY-es/s320/image-785614.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017491354100505778" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffbAGB_3tdEVv42qOVFiKh9-FkvOjzvyHTJKY0PJDr3vYBupl-omsAv9ib-W7rLA1QsUkcY7BmqKYEOHhUizDFxF6BTL6-k5z6dfhzhkhWX4ky1qDoRKX9CyYoC7GXKt6bBnJRro2hryc/s1600/image-787496.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffbAGB_3tdEVv42qOVFiKh9-FkvOjzvyHTJKY0PJDr3vYBupl-omsAv9ib-W7rLA1QsUkcY7BmqKYEOHhUizDFxF6BTL6-k5z6dfhzhkhWX4ky1qDoRKX9CyYoC7GXKt6bBnJRro2hryc/s320/image-787496.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017491364624757314" /></a></p>Day of rest. Oh how wonderful. Well for the staff it was not a total rest day but was restful anyway. First task in the morning was for me to get checked out on driving the truck. That will be part of my duties the next 10 days. This truck is very easy to drive and my old farm girl days came back quickly. Then off to the laundromat with Rik and Tom. I desperately needed that trip. I think just about everything I brought was dirty. Then I went food shopping with Carol. That is quite a learning experience. She makes delicious and nutritious snacks for the riders. A lot of thought and work goes into what she puts out at the SAG. Unfortunately she goes home at Abilene and I have to take over that role. Poor riders. I am trying to learn but it does not come naturally. After all the work was done, Carol and I went to the Santa Fe plaza area and had a nice lunch and did some shopping. We got caught in a downpour trying to get back to the van.
<br>
<br>Today was a beautiful day going from Santa Fe to Las Vegas. Other years I have ridden have been extremely hot. But today didn't get above 65. Add to that a bit of a tailwind and it was perfect riding conditions. I think every rider came in with a smile on their face.
<br>
<br>My routine has changed. For the next 10 days I will be helping Tom with truck driving and luggage. Tom and I will each ride part of the day (20 - 30 miles). Then we go in together in the truck and deliver bags to the rooms. The riders get to come into a room with the bags on the bed and the air conditioner running. Although today we did not turn the air conditioner down very low.
<br>
<br>Tomorrow will be the 1000 mile mark. Hard to believe. That black line is crawling across the map pretty fast.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-49420249371487728392014-05-24T14:51:00.001-07:002014-05-24T14:51:15.892-07:00Albuquerque to Santa Fe<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWIfmRhggwyGftPPzMIOYkdjfvNDzGBbbiDYf6uehs76dSmPv2P0tM5ThMydFby_QN2Aj3eN471yfau-8XqoXefvi8_gCsbk-KwirulPA7LDl9xXRSgsSfRfVgPw4ebTgL-gpM6LzUbqZ/s1600/image-775892.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWIfmRhggwyGftPPzMIOYkdjfvNDzGBbbiDYf6uehs76dSmPv2P0tM5ThMydFby_QN2Aj3eN471yfau-8XqoXefvi8_gCsbk-KwirulPA7LDl9xXRSgsSfRfVgPw4ebTgL-gpM6LzUbqZ/s320/image-775892.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017112931403318322" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNBKtSVShGHjSzuMUXAdYfCX3YwULhdiGkuhbjcCWu0nIxZ01CwMHMdIFFvrpRyZ-4PiQwErukE5VzDF81uglqkX5FSi6iCRgJMsRFULyHcVoJOmrQc_aujui-gAygeJCdYMA7uW4jp5b/s1600/image-778828.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNBKtSVShGHjSzuMUXAdYfCX3YwULhdiGkuhbjcCWu0nIxZ01CwMHMdIFFvrpRyZ-4PiQwErukE5VzDF81uglqkX5FSi6iCRgJMsRFULyHcVoJOmrQc_aujui-gAygeJCdYMA7uW4jp5b/s320/image-778828.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017112944011691026" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWDjOnqHEllh7t-FUuB911hu1k5XK5PoKYGpJBoOpQBpFb5Dk9wg1GMxH8CJc9KoLoNQHpJZ5bcDjGk38VFpCLw1zIZcmkPFZ6axKRBmJMgVWeUrRsUxNBly2qtTaC18c1VuSwqsXFjYZ/s1600/image-781524.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWDjOnqHEllh7t-FUuB911hu1k5XK5PoKYGpJBoOpQBpFb5Dk9wg1GMxH8CJc9KoLoNQHpJZ5bcDjGk38VFpCLw1zIZcmkPFZ6axKRBmJMgVWeUrRsUxNBly2qtTaC18c1VuSwqsXFjYZ/s320/image-781524.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017112949881892642" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjL8amx8NzLh7hlyGzPi9-7k0pvO1H8m6yI2evFGtK74p76IQlM99oRjT-pH5oR4MawCidPV-3-20VEtuXysztsD2fcQJ3sCVCUvk1zAtnSii8MYQgPw478gm4sJJG3bJF6h4x1yR2kKa/s1600/image-783948.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjL8amx8NzLh7hlyGzPi9-7k0pvO1H8m6yI2evFGtK74p76IQlM99oRjT-pH5oR4MawCidPV-3-20VEtuXysztsD2fcQJ3sCVCUvk1zAtnSii8MYQgPw478gm4sJJG3bJF6h4x1yR2kKa/s320/image-783948.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017112963886161570" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPmj61JZyQ8qwx_Sh6MRqtiKDhRfyc1ML5VFELUwDJjqAGlb81ZgHLnNhwfvmuq34FN54WUT3FbvUSkuRsXg-HIsZX7cDFK9ZjsqLaTyYxQ7jQj2mUdElNRjB_tEjr_thAsbWsqY8Xh3P/s1600/image-786112.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPmj61JZyQ8qwx_Sh6MRqtiKDhRfyc1ML5VFELUwDJjqAGlb81ZgHLnNhwfvmuq34FN54WUT3FbvUSkuRsXg-HIsZX7cDFK9ZjsqLaTyYxQ7jQj2mUdElNRjB_tEjr_thAsbWsqY8Xh3P/s320/image-786112.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6017112971819454546" /></a></p>First the weather because it is so different from 2010 or 2013. Those years were so hot that you wanted to melt. This year most everyone had a light jacket on as we left the hotel. There was a 30% chance of rain prediction. And it was cool enough to need a light jacket. Coming out of town was a headwind. And of course climbing. There were scattered clouds which kept the temperature down. At the SAG stop Carol had the food covered with an umbrella and before she closed it down she needed it. I got sprinkled on a bit in Madrid but could see where the rain had come before me. Going into Santa Fe you could see a huge cloud building. Carol and I were just ready to go shopping when a downpour hit. We decided to wait until the next day. Fortunately all the riders were in by that time but a couple of them just barely made it. As we were going to staff dinner another downpour hit with hail. Rik let us off at the front door and we were drenched after running in. This morning is still cloud covered so it might not be such a nice rest day for sight seeing.
<br>
<br>I rode 44 miles to Madrid. That is a beautiful ride. It takes a bit to get out of town. But Tracy had a new route which was much superior to the old route. I was leading about 6 riders. I guess they thought I knew where I was going. But I missed the left hand turn at a very busy intersection. I knew I missed it right away. So we really were not lost. After that everyone took off ahead of me. Of course we were out of town by then. Coming out of town was false flats so we climbed for a long time this morning.
<br>
<br>I guess Tracy thought the group needed cheered up this morning. She and the staff were out in their silly hats cheering the riders up a long climb.
<br>
<br>The ride was fantastic scenery. I stopped to take a picture and the little lizard was sitting there watching me. I did not stop to take the picture of the rattlesnake sunning itself along the road. The nice long decline into Madrid was a bit nerve racking. The road was bumpy and there was a crosswind. I felt like I was riding a bunking bronco.
<br>
<br>On one climb I was rescued by Alan and Ross. I made a mistake shifting and dropped my chain off the little ring in front. It jammed in between the front gears and the frame. They were finally able to get it loose but it was a struggle. I will have Rik look at it today to make sure it didn't damage the carbon frame. My thanks to Alan and Ross for their help.
<br>
<br>At Madrid, as planned, I stopped riding and drove the van into town. This way Carol and Robin could stay and shop as long as they want. Shopping is not my thing so I was happy to sacrifice.
<br>
<br>Rest day is not really resting for the staff. First thing is truck driving check out from Tracy. I have driven lots of big trucks before but I want to know the specifics of this one. Then a laundry party. Boy do I need that. Then grocery shopping with Carol and assisting her in making one of her delicious treats for the next two days. She is amazing.
<br>
<br>Tracy, Larry, and Robin go home for 10 days. Tracy and Robin will return in Abilene. So my job will be truck driving and luggage delivery with Tom. We will work it out so we each get to ride part of the day. So I will learn another part of the job. And I love driving truck.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-24541641853351385292014-05-24T05:42:00.001-07:002014-05-24T05:42:29.236-07:00Albuquerque to Santa Fe<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pQKuQsmjBvbHHZuMFdJD90vogrbdsDYVkQCIvFnUrKluIc4BUXRIT0nTBk9W8rZ4Vi9STw7MRWPesO3u6GL5_asXih4CcHXxXAMPCJO6aShxjLz6C9Hl68ycMirJuc05b1_wkt_xWrla/s1600/image-749236.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pQKuQsmjBvbHHZuMFdJD90vogrbdsDYVkQCIvFnUrKluIc4BUXRIT0nTBk9W8rZ4Vi9STw7MRWPesO3u6GL5_asXih4CcHXxXAMPCJO6aShxjLz6C9Hl68ycMirJuc05b1_wkt_xWrla/s320/image-749236.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016971512955323634" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK89TBAcgqBNKNo9Tx7ybbuHBa0xfLfl0_HL567tFNesaGEk9fRD7tTAijsuK2kpm0q9EPG-5dAbB95afsPIlen5F3b0WKN0M-nGbcsRBONTNh2DEig63lyTk8GZ-EQfJOveTjdeP2ozo_/s1600/image-755108.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK89TBAcgqBNKNo9Tx7ybbuHBa0xfLfl0_HL567tFNesaGEk9fRD7tTAijsuK2kpm0q9EPG-5dAbB95afsPIlen5F3b0WKN0M-nGbcsRBONTNh2DEig63lyTk8GZ-EQfJOveTjdeP2ozo_/s320/image-755108.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016971539432839234" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkJYLko3wioKIMkURmiIhCJCRIiGDq-sv1FZzgoVWkWNcPv3GmGXdRzM6qJZ75ferxWAIld8J8ewcZfeAdq28A12k437z1xAwkkjCwibaWRPgdePV9gqyMz-kN5_DvjCEtvEShm04RDnL/s1600/image-758761.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkJYLko3wioKIMkURmiIhCJCRIiGDq-sv1FZzgoVWkWNcPv3GmGXdRzM6qJZ75ferxWAIld8J8ewcZfeAdq28A12k437z1xAwkkjCwibaWRPgdePV9gqyMz-kN5_DvjCEtvEShm04RDnL/s320/image-758761.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016971554201831762" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4HJBDj1bW0busT0YmzuwCB9SAtvAbrSAugoledzhfNiWNit8H8-QfzZXeY2cZ4VdLU99NV_gPx5U0eWyYxHHiJbuLhL-OhAS3lSedegsSPHLrT5qjqXOrsm8wHoD99tf1O2E1FrJwYBO/s1600/image-761682.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4HJBDj1bW0busT0YmzuwCB9SAtvAbrSAugoledzhfNiWNit8H8-QfzZXeY2cZ4VdLU99NV_gPx5U0eWyYxHHiJbuLhL-OhAS3lSedegsSPHLrT5qjqXOrsm8wHoD99tf1O2E1FrJwYBO/s320/image-761682.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016971566354953458" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-imYghWLiJ26B0JMIiGP4Hs6HM_tKXzlCEO4xzyeDaupJ5C6NmfbQaJ69ZoWdSpMc8_8XyFuOB0jUS82ZKDm1ANwbK8eIRlF3wZAcCZRBbdkf3sc3yi5QLoCGbbxvCXReNE7EywkpNexL/s1600/image-767345.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-imYghWLiJ26B0JMIiGP4Hs6HM_tKXzlCEO4xzyeDaupJ5C6NmfbQaJ69ZoWdSpMc8_8XyFuOB0jUS82ZKDm1ANwbK8eIRlF3wZAcCZRBbdkf3sc3yi5QLoCGbbxvCXReNE7EywkpNexL/s320/image-767345.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016971591795178962" /></a></p>First the weather because it is so different from 2010 or 2013. Those years were so hot that you wanted to melt. This year most everyone had a light jacket on as we left the hotel. There was a 30% chance of rain prediction. And it was cool enough to need a light jacket. Coming out of town was a headwind. And of course climbing. There were scattered clouds which kept the temperature down. At the SAG stop Carol had the food covered with an umbrella and before she closed it down she needed it. I got sprinkled on a bit in Madrid but could see where the rain had come before me. Going into Santa Fe you could see a huge cloud building. Carol and I were just ready to go shopping when a downpour hit. We decided to wait until the next day. Fortunately all the riders were in by that time but a couple of them just barely made it. As we were going to staff dinner another downpour hit with hail. Rik let us off at the front door and we were drenched after running in. This morning is still cloud covered so it might not be such a nice rest day for sight seeing.
<br>
<br>I rode 44 miles to Madrid. That is a beautiful ride. It takes a bit to get out of town. But Tracy had a new route which was much superior to the old route. I was leading about 6 riders. I guess they thought I knew where I was going. But I missed the left hand turn at a very busy intersection. I knew I missed it right away. So we really were not lost. After that everyone took off ahead of me. Of course we were out of town by then. Coming out of town was false flats so we climbed for a long time this morning.
<br>
<br>I guess Tracy thought the group needed cheered up this morning. She and the staff were out in their silly hats cheering the riders up a long climb.
<br>
<br>The ride was fantastic scenery. I stopped to take a picture and the little lizard was sitting there watching me. I did not stop to take the picture of the rattlesnake sunning itself along the road. The nice long decline into Madrid was a bit nerve racking. The road was bumpy and there was a crosswind. I felt like I was riding a bunking bronco.
<br>
<br>On one climb I was rescued by Alan and Ross. I made a mistake shifting and dropped my chain off the little ring in front. It jammed in between the front gears and the frame. They were finally able to get it loose but it was a struggle. I will have Rik look at it today to make sure it didn't damage the carbon frame. My thanks to Alan and Ross for their help.
<br>
<br>At Madrid, as planned, I stopped riding and drove the van into town. This way Carol and Robin could stay and shop as long as they want. Shopping is not my thing so I was happy to sacrifice.
<br>
<br>Rest day is not really resting for the staff. First thing is truck driving check out from Tracy. I have driven lots of big trucks before but I want to know the specifics of this one. Then a laundry party. Boy do I need that. Then grocery shopping with Carol and assisting her in making one of her delicious treats for the next two days. She is amazing.
<br>
<br>Tracy, Larry, and Robin go home for 10 days. Tracy and Robin will return in Abilene. So my job will be truck driving and luggage delivery with Tom. We will work it out so we each get to ride part of the day. So I will learn another part of the job. And I love driving truck.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-62729079277498419462014-05-22T19:42:00.001-07:002014-05-22T19:42:06.297-07:00Back on the Tour - Albuquerque <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26kyKhxd2bfo8zmRSk3XKUJG5xh72GdMf1KAuyaIE-CPEgULSZUPfOn6SVY2bbb9vQa_HNMVOSYjy7H58rrcKKVSWQg2LcugjnIyqwvtoj25cJqEFgu53KKwZUencs0HRKRZQR7O2FDCw/s1600/image-726297.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26kyKhxd2bfo8zmRSk3XKUJG5xh72GdMf1KAuyaIE-CPEgULSZUPfOn6SVY2bbb9vQa_HNMVOSYjy7H58rrcKKVSWQg2LcugjnIyqwvtoj25cJqEFgu53KKwZUencs0HRKRZQR7O2FDCw/s320/image-726297.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016445711208047858" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzyf-ptrH8kbYMY-JmBQxQiumCUBZ7mQQ6F_b4-gkWEQZEM2NNqosxF4_F48OtWT1NHQr8reCwjEXusCLXedJKDt0d49nhfGzTsJ3y6-JFWv0JCgnM-K7xoZRIFlAHBteGOZvc_Tp9MOd/s1600/image-729326.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzyf-ptrH8kbYMY-JmBQxQiumCUBZ7mQQ6F_b4-gkWEQZEM2NNqosxF4_F48OtWT1NHQr8reCwjEXusCLXedJKDt0d49nhfGzTsJ3y6-JFWv0JCgnM-K7xoZRIFlAHBteGOZvc_Tp9MOd/s320/image-729326.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016445718442967026" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TNmnNWgmaE0lUBGoPvDI6QePXP9XBaw8JJVPUSPfugNE-Jlvvoxpyfdxm8mx1fSIljTNUBRS51seHxolXGFrz_TuhxYz12sW1Q9g5sMaP8wHobDpjsdy8xOKNlemPj7WJfCkgcj0MCcJ/s1600/image-731283.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TNmnNWgmaE0lUBGoPvDI6QePXP9XBaw8JJVPUSPfugNE-Jlvvoxpyfdxm8mx1fSIljTNUBRS51seHxolXGFrz_TuhxYz12sW1Q9g5sMaP8wHobDpjsdy8xOKNlemPj7WJfCkgcj0MCcJ/s320/image-731283.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6016445729708375138" /></a></p>Norm and I finished our mini vacation. Yesterday we drove to Albuquerque and spent the night. We stayed close to Old Town. We were excited about going down there, looking into the shops, and having dinner. By the time we got there it was about 5 pm. Unfortunately many of the shops close at 5. I guess their busy season does not start for another week. We did find a couple of nice shops and galleries. But we never found a place to eat. So we ended up back at the hotel. The picture is of a very pretty cactus that was about to bloom.
<br>
<br>I dropped Norm off at the airport early this morning and then backtracked to Grants NM in time to start the day. It was a cool cloudy morning which made it very nice for the riders. The picture of Carol and I shows the amazing bagels she served at the SAG.
<br>
<br>Herm was wearing his U of Michigan jersey today. He found a Michigan State grad at the SAG. Small world.
<br>
<br>Not much else to report today.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-83891783318630353912014-05-21T06:01:00.000-07:002014-05-21T06:02:00.222-07:00Another Great Day Off the Clock<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGgBvM1mHJbsbY4ZBPZrvnxdJZb8ustl6o31UCSuA972A7m-xEQLBBzCTZuInEBaGWSY0Ed1I10RzkLVL4TeWcCQ8IWpEt2gyJa-VhG8UrFskwTVQaUOBlicivJb5umWVmMm_pm61ZjrZ/s1600/image-720223.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGgBvM1mHJbsbY4ZBPZrvnxdJZb8ustl6o31UCSuA972A7m-xEQLBBzCTZuInEBaGWSY0Ed1I10RzkLVL4TeWcCQ8IWpEt2gyJa-VhG8UrFskwTVQaUOBlicivJb5umWVmMm_pm61ZjrZ/s320/image-720223.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015863289427431538" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VW-ne2dXFwzdvlYTh_0rGvqKG_CVbt6GxbRUi7VgmnG8EVhGsfp1quiEzK5XiD2MG1WHqPdq4lCJoTOh8mB5WiF8oiYbQuUJoz-mRIiGr5rCqG0EEIwlUYh-4d-Zw-Mj-4-gXLsoGGOT/s1600/image-726577.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VW-ne2dXFwzdvlYTh_0rGvqKG_CVbt6GxbRUi7VgmnG8EVhGsfp1quiEzK5XiD2MG1WHqPdq4lCJoTOh8mB5WiF8oiYbQuUJoz-mRIiGr5rCqG0EEIwlUYh-4d-Zw-Mj-4-gXLsoGGOT/s320/image-726577.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015863314582636594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrnw4PZPFAWcJttBZftfB-oq_CLzBV_AJTGazjOAll_ZT9pUkFbIlZqCEusF-lA7uHfzswAXybl-exsWYHBftZdz-uV2tvhg664gC8-OqhxqtjaeyNvY1M0kkyyZMwcReygiYm7vkIYIT/s1600/image-732004.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrnw4PZPFAWcJttBZftfB-oq_CLzBV_AJTGazjOAll_ZT9pUkFbIlZqCEusF-lA7uHfzswAXybl-exsWYHBftZdz-uV2tvhg664gC8-OqhxqtjaeyNvY1M0kkyyZMwcReygiYm7vkIYIT/s320/image-732004.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015863340549376658" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjDx-bU5uqNDT6UbzcLRn9Vylc5K5NtjZ0wXhy1drhbtmW2UGMrd7le2mxI6N2zH8MqNfbTXaWWHotNc_lAwODrZFLYMSy5M6JqozEI_hWGDHooe4jKuCpz-801beXVlWjIB10pTG9i5s/s1600/image-738512.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjDx-bU5uqNDT6UbzcLRn9Vylc5K5NtjZ0wXhy1drhbtmW2UGMrd7le2mxI6N2zH8MqNfbTXaWWHotNc_lAwODrZFLYMSy5M6JqozEI_hWGDHooe4jKuCpz-801beXVlWjIB10pTG9i5s/s320/image-738512.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015863360356706050" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XOSf-B3YJjVOY3M8ALelHAOVM2sD_imzRiNhgGxaLr3XiA0tbKXWIQuQM8wAXLhb-cE_Y9PutVQ2seMnDmTR97ppRe5-B-MB2YUKRG-ScM3orox17H8PRgNPSPGxBc4yx_b-jG6ugpo4/s1600/image-741704.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XOSf-B3YJjVOY3M8ALelHAOVM2sD_imzRiNhgGxaLr3XiA0tbKXWIQuQM8wAXLhb-cE_Y9PutVQ2seMnDmTR97ppRe5-B-MB2YUKRG-ScM3orox17H8PRgNPSPGxBc4yx_b-jG6ugpo4/s320/image-741704.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015863377216424370" /></a></p>Wow, being off the bike and off the clock is hard work. I am tired tonight. We left the Grand Canyon this morning and are now in Santa Fe. That was over 400 miles of driving.
<br>
<br>One of the disadvantages of the cattle drive bike ride across America is that you have to get from one town to another as soon as possible most days. That is because of the heat and wind. And you usually don't want to pedal one mile more than you have to. So in past years I just saw the signs to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. So this year I was determined to see them. It was about a two hour detour and was well worth it. The pictures do not do justice but you get an idea of the magnificence of the areas. I have never seen anything like this before. Craters of the Moon in Idaho has a little bit of this and Yellowstone also. However this is unique. The little bright green creature was walking down the path. As we approached he very kindly posed on the rock and did not seem bothered by us.
<br>
<br>Today the riders were going from Holbrook to Gallup. It was a very windy day. Fortunately mostly tailwinds. It was another day of riding on I-40. That means lots of flats because of the debris on the road (tiny wires from the blown truck tires embed themselves in the bike tires and puncture holes in the tubes.) We stopped to talk to Herm and Geoffrey at the New Mexico state line. I hope they sprinkled their sand. Herm said he had already had 4 flats. Rumor has it that Alan had that many also. The wind was really blowing and Geoffrey rescued my hat that had blown away. Further down the road we saw a group of riders fixing a flat and the van stopped at a safe pull off spot. Robin was in the van and Eileen had walked back to the riders with a pump. Eilene has spent the last two days getting training driving the sweep van. That will be her job when Robin goes home for a weeks break.
<br>
<br>The evening was spent in the Santa Fe plaza area. Norm has been wanting a leather jacket for years and found one. Then we had a great Mexican dinner out on a second floor deck. It was a lovely night.
<br>
<br>Great way to spend a birthday.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-55816426692628000672014-05-19T20:36:00.000-07:002014-05-19T20:37:57.942-07:00Off the clock at the Grand Canyon<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TDBmiLvsiiHNt_rF_CzYIcoIx_lHBEAVJw6hg2P82lodnGkkuNj6PLmgiOj29vNTQNVBvM_6UDE_M8oUgb94dPYAau_b_oGusGPij_vUIBT2xTyexPsBil557UnF7lL5THn0FLtwvRae/s1600/image-777942.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TDBmiLvsiiHNt_rF_CzYIcoIx_lHBEAVJw6hg2P82lodnGkkuNj6PLmgiOj29vNTQNVBvM_6UDE_M8oUgb94dPYAau_b_oGusGPij_vUIBT2xTyexPsBil557UnF7lL5THn0FLtwvRae/s320/image-777942.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015346853447815826" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3teJ4mdkKH_6DabUmy_1DfpD8rUk2h9GgaTUsXLhJKPCv4QkIVdoSAnb1i8A8s4T0IzwtQMvN77MlzdnEmbwBRUQMlUD18ScMpmA8DZSPLVQGUxn0Pn2VBBC23Z_WufFmUD1_MpJdXxcg/s1600/photo+1-781786.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3teJ4mdkKH_6DabUmy_1DfpD8rUk2h9GgaTUsXLhJKPCv4QkIVdoSAnb1i8A8s4T0IzwtQMvN77MlzdnEmbwBRUQMlUD18ScMpmA8DZSPLVQGUxn0Pn2VBBC23Z_WufFmUD1_MpJdXxcg/s320/photo+1-781786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015346864324966946" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pp4SF8UwVfcoOOAGowLEgpWBKJQatON_eWn847PfNuHzKL2Iw9voqPd_wRWEmyHUZFPX6iKZalRJLc25NfBxmi-HbCNcAhncKp6XuypEBzvQNeYYhpYXqOvkzI9-GiDars9TBUrb-hK_/s1600/photo+2-783948.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pp4SF8UwVfcoOOAGowLEgpWBKJQatON_eWn847PfNuHzKL2Iw9voqPd_wRWEmyHUZFPX6iKZalRJLc25NfBxmi-HbCNcAhncKp6XuypEBzvQNeYYhpYXqOvkzI9-GiDars9TBUrb-hK_/s320/photo+2-783948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015346875671967186" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeAtix9vwYMYwIOrHSglsx489KZOHOK3QXM_TYpTplBGZ794-hksLW2jqpKAPbPmiDAe-aZVRKLVOwFkgDGsEHR-hvhdnzyC2fPLgBkmnVPsA7rW0JkucTbxnveb1UzTEvl1bAbncyTAV/s1600/photo+3-786893.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeAtix9vwYMYwIOrHSglsx489KZOHOK3QXM_TYpTplBGZ794-hksLW2jqpKAPbPmiDAe-aZVRKLVOwFkgDGsEHR-hvhdnzyC2fPLgBkmnVPsA7rW0JkucTbxnveb1UzTEvl1bAbncyTAV/s320/photo+3-786893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015346885838590738" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdPyi19QeEPbjEdR5t_z6HGFPYVsfS7mFvykHcUxY4mFGHYOX2W6d3lUtkm6KsTwD9oxMeeQ7GZUgu3YE5cNjGvRei8QByZNAVMCi7LYi3GIzAw_RbuNxlH_uPbtM-zrbADQ4T0AvBis1/s1600/photo+4-789715.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdPyi19QeEPbjEdR5t_z6HGFPYVsfS7mFvykHcUxY4mFGHYOX2W6d3lUtkm6KsTwD9oxMeeQ7GZUgu3YE5cNjGvRei8QByZNAVMCi7LYi3GIzAw_RbuNxlH_uPbtM-zrbADQ4T0AvBis1/s320/photo+4-789715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015346896934118402" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZaJHVGFvlKn1HCtf6xxZln5Na9whEWGQtdkAASLHP_VZs092yGnvun9FyRLdA3bfvMYbk_i7tl6qyliZeNH9vCMevAe8Chq8qrYJW2lBGzfVjs05wOPJHHHH7vAdlEWTvMojjkLpiD2G/s1600/photo+5-792259.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZaJHVGFvlKn1HCtf6xxZln5Na9whEWGQtdkAASLHP_VZs092yGnvun9FyRLdA3bfvMYbk_i7tl6qyliZeNH9vCMevAe8Chq8qrYJW2lBGzfVjs05wOPJHHHH7vAdlEWTvMojjkLpiD2G/s320/photo+5-792259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6015346906642448402" /></a></p>My agreement with Tracy was that I would take a few days off when Norm came out to AZ. I knew from riding through here that I wanted to see some of the spectacular sights in AZ and NM. So this morning I said goodbye to the riders and staff as they left Flagstaff. It felt like I was saying goodbye to family. And the staff are family. And the riders are important to me. I wonder how their day went riding to Holbrook. I hope they had tailwinds.
<br>
<br>Norm and I drove up to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. I have to say when you walk through the pine forest and then all of a sudden you see the canyon it is truly breathtaking. No words can describe it. We walked along the rim for quite a ways. The park service had great displays along the way showing the types of rocks in the strata. And some of the layers are over 1.7 million years old. At one spot there was a Hopi Indian center. We were there at just the right time to catch the dances. What a treat.
<br>
<br>Tonight we are staying at Tasayan AZ. It is a very small town a mile from the entrance to the park. Last year I observed Brick Susko. He always took the time to talk to the people he met along the route. And he listened to their stories and shared them. This year I am really trying to follow his example. Tonight we were the only people in the bar at the hotel. In fact we had to wait about 20 minutes for the bar to open. That is because the bartender, Bob, was finishing up another job he had at the hotel. Anyway over the course of a couple of glasses of wine, we learned some of his story. And what a story. He was from Veracruz Mexico. After problems with the cartel he immigrated to Canada. He went back to Mexico four years later to get a permanent visa for Canada. After paying lots of money to a lawyer he never made it back to Canada. Now he is in the USA and working to send money to his family and get them here. He has such a wonderful attitude and works very hard to send money to his family in Mexico. What a wonderful story of someone working hard to make a life for themselves. The picture is of Bob and I behind the bar.
<br>
<br>On to Santa Fe tomorrow.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-30638375360871687682014-05-18T06:09:00.001-07:002014-05-18T06:09:49.230-07:00Climb to Flagstaff and a Day of Rest<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjcLIW-0nSd6E90WYXlr31Jx3QU9XurzHlKMUgNkkH-P2JjYAuUrVy-vtTMcMhqfvUqeo-IQrqI2-bh9VVokU0dTTk2bZ0-FP8pw4o5FkUUcvEBZgdMO3DDlDfsSMNLn_r7D_qyuD1uhH/s1600/image-789231.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjcLIW-0nSd6E90WYXlr31Jx3QU9XurzHlKMUgNkkH-P2JjYAuUrVy-vtTMcMhqfvUqeo-IQrqI2-bh9VVokU0dTTk2bZ0-FP8pw4o5FkUUcvEBZgdMO3DDlDfsSMNLn_r7D_qyuD1uhH/s320/image-789231.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014752047780065490" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFi0vpDu-aA5ND3uU9ihDMa7MlKKgInoSiGLnmu8rBnPRsXnzxWj-taNR5uU7DCsZEXYogDktNERNsp7N7RM43fbpq7pTX8LZ76uUdLA8RVZPQ3Y21TyRVhlMeQgaCf1V9tPvcGx5XsF0/s1600/image-798506.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFi0vpDu-aA5ND3uU9ihDMa7MlKKgInoSiGLnmu8rBnPRsXnzxWj-taNR5uU7DCsZEXYogDktNERNsp7N7RM43fbpq7pTX8LZ76uUdLA8RVZPQ3Y21TyRVhlMeQgaCf1V9tPvcGx5XsF0/s320/image-798506.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014752084273016818" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooUbfXdPShEY0lPuwGpjdMx9WrcPRdYiplMk1Pza69sJtiKPl6RNj75XKm3H3BrI0JnckDCDNC6KuZTQwVCjs-IX8lCGrSFCDSZCrXfT237fLDv5SxCtZJLlp0pbu5PVn8PFeQCTiGuLS/s1600/image-705689.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooUbfXdPShEY0lPuwGpjdMx9WrcPRdYiplMk1Pza69sJtiKPl6RNj75XKm3H3BrI0JnckDCDNC6KuZTQwVCjs-IX8lCGrSFCDSZCrXfT237fLDv5SxCtZJLlp0pbu5PVn8PFeQCTiGuLS/s320/image-705689.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014752114262075042" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8CdT3TvjYNGvYE1dyoLIVaPiakeijZ40U5AyAeInKdv2USKcADOMuMwdbUaTFjgfAN1wN6UwgX2WC2JnuVYFgKqTuoiNSY5hDtP0jjkyayFJ0nOm1PCNNy0ZSKTaNwtZdV-QXrUH8Zit/s1600/image-713275.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8CdT3TvjYNGvYE1dyoLIVaPiakeijZ40U5AyAeInKdv2USKcADOMuMwdbUaTFjgfAN1wN6UwgX2WC2JnuVYFgKqTuoiNSY5hDtP0jjkyayFJ0nOm1PCNNy0ZSKTaNwtZdV-QXrUH8Zit/s320/image-713275.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014752148425485378" /></a></p>Wow it is hard to believe but a week of the tour is over. The first week is a hard one for riders and staff. The heart of the desert and the headwinds took a toll on the bodies. Then out of the desert and three days of false flats and hard climbs. Now the knees and the bottoms start calling out in pain. The routine of early starts every day and laundry every night puts another new perspective on life. You Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat. And that is about all there is. Maybe a dip in the pool can be thrown in there. Or, like in Prescott and Flagstaff, a visit to a local brew pub. Now a very welcome day off.
<br>
<br>Yesterday was a very interesting day mentally for me. I rode the full ride from Cottonwood to Flagstaff in 2010 and in 2013. I knew I could do it and I also knew how hard it was. So I decided to just ride to Sedona and then work the SAG support. And with Norm here that plan let me spend more time with him. On the ride to Sedona you climb and descend for 13 miles. There was nothing spectacular about that section. That is except for getting passed by about 300 MS150 riders. I was hearing a lot of "on your left" or just plain being passed. At mile 13.4 there is a .9 mile climb. And when you break over the top of that climb you get a view of the red rocks of Arizona and the mountains around Sedona. It is spectacular. I know other years I thought it was pretty but this year I just enjoyed the ride into town and absorbed the scenery. I did not have to worry about the traffic in Oak Canyon, the 2.2 mile climb up the switchbacks or the long slog into Flagstaff from the SAG.
<br>
<br>There is a Native American art center at the viewpoint where we set up the SAG. They had some beautiful jewelry and pots. Being the skinflint I am, I usually don't buy anything and regret it later. But Norm really likes to buy local art so we bought an amazing vase that was hand etched.
<br>
<br>Last night was Tracy's staff dinner. This is a chance for the staff to relax and enjoy each other. It is always fun.
<br>
<br>Now for a rest day. Then Norm and I will go off sightseeing for a few days.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-67070984787665181852014-05-16T20:16:00.001-07:002014-05-16T20:16:36.343-07:00Prescott to Cottonwood<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_E4J65rgVrwjkrpCTlpLESjVfXdnLUPVnZMQaFGGUSc4rRTTekIOYBKzts4AdQ0fhi_z5kxXO9f6X2LDM8Kn2QIPPcMxDC7yUe8p5wvqHWQ-nGRBF0or5HWJ8ZIKPKDrDxKglUCLhBZG/s1600/image-796344.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_E4J65rgVrwjkrpCTlpLESjVfXdnLUPVnZMQaFGGUSc4rRTTekIOYBKzts4AdQ0fhi_z5kxXO9f6X2LDM8Kn2QIPPcMxDC7yUe8p5wvqHWQ-nGRBF0or5HWJ8ZIKPKDrDxKglUCLhBZG/s320/image-796344.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014228091150726146" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrYCjRVJ-nUm2J9O4bZOD2euXVqYtV5R5dSOVH-Y6HAR21CNviMBiWDQit20CZX6r8qC_bcYvL6QDM22OKJIFcNOCUvf2LQEqdFhzh7SwzEYhokLATDDGn-Sf92ePiCi8WI_PrDsw4NX1/s1600/image-700154.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrYCjRVJ-nUm2J9O4bZOD2euXVqYtV5R5dSOVH-Y6HAR21CNviMBiWDQit20CZX6r8qC_bcYvL6QDM22OKJIFcNOCUvf2LQEqdFhzh7SwzEYhokLATDDGn-Sf92ePiCi8WI_PrDsw4NX1/s320/image-700154.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014228103690016018" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGlUSoGUClu4oqYb2ufzBZJKndd033f7_uL6e5aPvNWdR1vrmkvEWtrTziFbSWyPkQoT3QtjvB58hSufxiLTdgKPAFHUKzV5u0fcoa6N_kyYRwRcQcZzSpFS-o5BStDm5elvOlq5HAoCq/s1600/image-703395.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGlUSoGUClu4oqYb2ufzBZJKndd033f7_uL6e5aPvNWdR1vrmkvEWtrTziFbSWyPkQoT3QtjvB58hSufxiLTdgKPAFHUKzV5u0fcoa6N_kyYRwRcQcZzSpFS-o5BStDm5elvOlq5HAoCq/s320/image-703395.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014228114675094562" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17cDrjOEDtN6eIZbiWD_4cTI557pE8lVzHGzMeCVvmUt-4avqwtixEfP5LhmZ2Ti_3qIc25ZRhun8Kvx_0fESgqT68e1semm81Ir8w54x9pYnXNrKaAuW3rRXYKEW17Jzp_BMAgRcNszs/s1600/image-706214.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17cDrjOEDtN6eIZbiWD_4cTI557pE8lVzHGzMeCVvmUt-4avqwtixEfP5LhmZ2Ti_3qIc25ZRhun8Kvx_0fESgqT68e1semm81Ir8w54x9pYnXNrKaAuW3rRXYKEW17Jzp_BMAgRcNszs/s320/image-706214.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6014228128906828626" /></a></p>On down the road we go. Norm got his first day of tour experience. He rode with Carol and helped her along the way. She is always the lead van and sets up all of the SAG stops. She is an efficient machine when she pulls in and sets up. So she put him to work and he was there to greet all the riders as they came in at the top of Mingus Mountain.
<br>
<br>When I was a kid growing up in Idaho, I was not at all appreciative of thistles. But the ones here in Arizona are blooming and they have a very beautiful flower on them.
<br>
<br>I really struggled going up the 12 mile climb to Mingus Mtn summit. First there were more false flats. And it was very hot and I think the altitude is starting to take its toll. So I was very happy to get to the top. The trip down into Jerome was drop dead fantastic. When the view opened up to the red rocks, they were bright red. What a sight. Worth every bit of the effort to get up the hill just to see that.
<br>
<br>I know this is not a very interesting blog. All I can say is that I am very tired tonight. On to Flagstaff tomorrow and then some down time. Although I suspect there will be a lot of work washing vans and restockingJan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-22697770295615563002014-05-16T03:10:00.001-07:002014-05-16T03:10:51.702-07:00Blythe to Wickenburg to Prescott<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJBcZVYTmWvkcE66h4ey-D4eaFw_Hr1_sy4rLs_JymP93wkvyCSTvAOmv7L8g4JwJqIuPUKpZPyd8nbfVdwx343tHaqXAmniNddxWaIRnqox1FeNrSkkE8b8_3eLO946NFvxPGZXn8VsJ/s1600/image-751702.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJBcZVYTmWvkcE66h4ey-D4eaFw_Hr1_sy4rLs_JymP93wkvyCSTvAOmv7L8g4JwJqIuPUKpZPyd8nbfVdwx343tHaqXAmniNddxWaIRnqox1FeNrSkkE8b8_3eLO946NFvxPGZXn8VsJ/s320/image-751702.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013963756542429058" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFO_fZ24Dd0Saae1XR3ToFmsDCYts-EwAAl8llcYZCh_CFi33RPWhzvBIpWDlaFFIPqtJ8VKpcFgE437iS0NPQHcoa60QXfnI_K-9XnqOtdFp8gorWSPPU0MHRMEAYP0rifpy0nGQyUZm/s1600/image-754645.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFO_fZ24Dd0Saae1XR3ToFmsDCYts-EwAAl8llcYZCh_CFi33RPWhzvBIpWDlaFFIPqtJ8VKpcFgE437iS0NPQHcoa60QXfnI_K-9XnqOtdFp8gorWSPPU0MHRMEAYP0rifpy0nGQyUZm/s320/image-754645.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013963766152828226" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqjSpDrVvgRtBA870KonJJGk1UaFVx_Vc8T6bqeo8Sh3Y66TVzD6GXW2sqqhWW3qrwrIyR8iGL9IEgaZhBSmjXl_IQX7AwwFOuIGL5W5OYJpRbr4MC1Mek9x0DSp7Z4cAfeeplDiCI93o/s1600/image-756664.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqjSpDrVvgRtBA870KonJJGk1UaFVx_Vc8T6bqeo8Sh3Y66TVzD6GXW2sqqhWW3qrwrIyR8iGL9IEgaZhBSmjXl_IQX7AwwFOuIGL5W5OYJpRbr4MC1Mek9x0DSp7Z4cAfeeplDiCI93o/s320/image-756664.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013963776476474610" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJSbfjLjrLy9S5u8bAFJPuvJdx4LO_RrvObpkXc_Fu0zwI6oUc7_ehs4KbWetqaIqSObOM_aVyv3Y0BxFO0HSISIxTs8Q4po5ZzaYzgYT1W9hm8UTuvW77plG4P-4N5kUrUoRPfKJ7Cx-/s1600/image-759822.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJSbfjLjrLy9S5u8bAFJPuvJdx4LO_RrvObpkXc_Fu0zwI6oUc7_ehs4KbWetqaIqSObOM_aVyv3Y0BxFO0HSISIxTs8Q4po5ZzaYzgYT1W9hm8UTuvW77plG4P-4N5kUrUoRPfKJ7Cx-/s320/image-759822.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013963790583371490" /></a></p>This is a double blog which is sort of like a double route rap. I was far too tired to write last night so now will report on two days of tour.
<br>
<br>After riding one day in the hot desert into the headwinds I opted to "volunteer" to help the SAG ladies. Actually I needed a day of training on the set up and tear down of the SAG and on driving the van. A day in the desert if always a good training day. There were many riders taking bumps at various sections. So I had a chance to put bikes on and off the top of the van. That is no easy task when you are short like me. But it is amazing what you can do when you strategically brace your butt against the sliding back door.
<br>
<br>In the desert we take the riders bike, send them to the shade, and fill bottles and camel backs while they get some food. Of course in the desert it is not easy to find a spot of shade to even set up the table. This year Tracy put labels on water bottles. What a great idea when you are grabbing bottles from two or three riders at a time. This was a 116 mile day so you know they were exhausted every time they came in.
<br>
<br>Unusually for the desert, the owner of the company, Tracy, rode some of the route. She loves to ride but seldom has the freedom to do that. So you see her in the picture ready to go out.
<br>
<br>While I did not ride, it was still a very long day. The support started at 6:30 loading up some bikes for riders taking a bump and ended about 6:00 when the last van got to town. I did get van driver training: turn on flashers, beep just at the right distance behind them, check for a hand on the helmet as you go by, beep after passing, etc. Whew.
<br>
<br>My goal this year was to do the entire ride from Wickenburg to Prescott. I have never completed that ride in years past. It is 6100 ft of climbing in 59 miles. And this is on false flats. A false flat is where the terrain gives the optical illusion that you are going downhill when in actuality you are climbing a 6% grade.
<br>
<br>The last 20 miles were rough. Fortunately two of the riders, Randy and Herm, were still out on the road and gave me lots of encouragement the last few miles.
<br>
<br>At one of the rest stops I went in the store, bought two V8 juices and came out and sat in the shade with a local water company worker, Joe. A delightful fellow he was. Asking lots of questions about the ride and the nike. He had never lifted a carbon fiber bike before so was amazed at how light it was. Always a joy to talk to the locals.
<br>
<br>Norm, my husband arrived today. He will spend a few days riding in the caravan vehicles. Then we will take three days to explore the area on our own after which he will go home. Last night we had dinner with a high school friend of his and his wife. They took us to a great little local steak house and it was a delightful evening.
<br>
<br>Tomorrow comes the climb up Mingus Mountain, lunch in Jerome, and the hair raising descent into Cottonwood.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-44687220799849736292014-05-14T05:29:00.001-07:002014-05-14T05:29:17.918-07:00Desert and Wind Going to Blythe<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACVExrDOSg6HLcPbEeUHYeEiT3w7aa8_Pe8Ntem2T4a5HOTVFFD2uB4ArX-6rzB6oJGWDEuq5KA9XzINazOBlCSlQeMbiCAqnfmJlzKFmVx0wRTSFxQq_XXk7-OwlJaIloXKhgXoZMsZH/s1600/image-757918.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACVExrDOSg6HLcPbEeUHYeEiT3w7aa8_Pe8Ntem2T4a5HOTVFFD2uB4ArX-6rzB6oJGWDEuq5KA9XzINazOBlCSlQeMbiCAqnfmJlzKFmVx0wRTSFxQq_XXk7-OwlJaIloXKhgXoZMsZH/s320/image-757918.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013257263160982994" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xCProMOPgOONC7bQcaErajsR2ekTXPgudCYc_B_IBhRKqbdVWp0QTMnfXec1HWWlbWCQgO86IeMa7SJ8KX1Ph4ruuXfK7daCuks3eFHrUjp56_aBVQYUh4qV9V44JZrc1LgXHOjcV_pO/s1600/image-764314.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xCProMOPgOONC7bQcaErajsR2ekTXPgudCYc_B_IBhRKqbdVWp0QTMnfXec1HWWlbWCQgO86IeMa7SJ8KX1Ph4ruuXfK7daCuks3eFHrUjp56_aBVQYUh4qV9V44JZrc1LgXHOjcV_pO/s320/image-764314.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013257284763068450" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiZAuZ8TDksRU_9JM3FYceT9TpRFOKbx-rkiOGKpZEAepjG8cFvVSzdEbSsYyDJxdjH92pcq0yMqc8F4EDLUAHLz3lpzBPxUF_oORfHCL0cqlzFE9m2601mEXjpS8F06gN63BoJSaDmML/s1600/image-768325.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiZAuZ8TDksRU_9JM3FYceT9TpRFOKbx-rkiOGKpZEAepjG8cFvVSzdEbSsYyDJxdjH92pcq0yMqc8F4EDLUAHLz3lpzBPxUF_oORfHCL0cqlzFE9m2601mEXjpS8F06gN63BoJSaDmML/s320/image-768325.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6013257302712852354" /></a></p>Interstate and wind and wind and interstate and sand. Oh yes did I mention the wind was blowing! Headwinds again for three days. I do believe this is my least favorite day of the tour. It is just something to get through. The first SAG of the day is at a lovely oasis in the desert. That is one picture. And the second is probably the ugliest SAG spot of the trip.
<br>
<br>As always Tracy had everything well prepared. The vans and truck were loaded with extra ice, water, and Gatorade. I don't think I have ever put down as much fluid as I did today. And she had delicious PB&J sandwiches (Carol and I made them), pickles, applesauce, cold rags etc all waiting at the stops. Today was the day riders started realizing riding every inch is an amazing feat and several took bumps or quit for the day. Those who were no longer riding pitched in to fill water bottles, pour ice on the heads, and help pit wherever possible.
<br>
<br>I realized last night that I don't have a huge desire to put in long miles every day. I did 50 today and that was enough. Going to Wickenburg I am not even going to ride. I will do some training on driving the van and rest up for the ride through the false flats to Prescott.Jan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-47760226322872376932014-05-13T05:16:00.001-07:002014-05-13T05:16:27.425-07:00Riverside to IndioSorry no pictures today. The ride out of Riverside was actually quite pretty. The hillside was prettying big rocks that looked like smooth stones piled on top of each other. Unfortunately we were hit by a three mile climb coming right out of town. You all know I don't do well on climbs. It was a 6-7% grade and very steady. Then at the top of the hill the headwinds hit. So by the time I arrived at the SAG I was the last rider. So I stood true to my plan for myself and quit riding for the day. I won't keep the support system out there for just me. If I was a paying rider, I would and have done that other years. Oh too bad, I missed the 7 mile climb up Ladd Canyon in the terrific crosswinds.
<br>
<br>This was a good day to practice SAG support. So I jumped in the van and helped her set up the SAG. She had made some terrific potato salad the night before. The riders were very glad to get there and get water and some food. The temperature was not extreme bit like last year it was head winds coming into Palm Springs. The wind mills were not turning and that is not a good sign. All the remaining riders completed the day but they were beat.
<br>
<br>Now it is two long, long days in the desert. Tracy has her game face on and gave a great talk about desert safety. I will take a bump to the first SAG with two other riders. We will still have about 70 miles to go. If those headwinds are still blowing, it will be a long 70 miles.
<br>
<br>Talk to you next from the middle of the Mohave in Blythe.
<br>
<br>Sent from my iPhoneJan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304460217733051663.post-5278010948477833602014-05-11T21:17:00.001-07:002014-05-11T21:17:59.383-07:00Now in Riverside<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHVOE-Ixq0qLMQdvtoFIA7G5A-mZqDgDTCBhBeX-mpwRmOE43SHjepV5GrNb-TzUOFaEYtXNVzm4DH98PWhJYGKAVfgT3d22BCLhRwbaH-YOPGBmiqu1Nxt5hVQnEtDyuIYEkXwifRAUI/s1600/image-779383.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHVOE-Ixq0qLMQdvtoFIA7G5A-mZqDgDTCBhBeX-mpwRmOE43SHjepV5GrNb-TzUOFaEYtXNVzm4DH98PWhJYGKAVfgT3d22BCLhRwbaH-YOPGBmiqu1Nxt5hVQnEtDyuIYEkXwifRAUI/s320/image-779383.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6012388484900198114" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWZ8K9DrwVKEGcN8QSz3zA5YCyqVWZSo8rYiapq33gyoXZ_iujdsJ0r7J3ATJuVPzQkrR3ZTezWIpzn4wAXQCpBtK4l1fGqVzL_JB_juyaDHPOP6LBwB2VkNCcFRC1cCLnfopUWrU3gSV/s1600/image-782845.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWZ8K9DrwVKEGcN8QSz3zA5YCyqVWZSo8rYiapq33gyoXZ_iujdsJ0r7J3ATJuVPzQkrR3ZTezWIpzn4wAXQCpBtK4l1fGqVzL_JB_juyaDHPOP6LBwB2VkNCcFRC1cCLnfopUWrU3gSV/s320/image-782845.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6012388499589408530" /></a></p>Wow the ride has begun. It was a beautiful morning for riding to the beach. The sun was shining and there were a lot of waves coming in. The waves meant wind but more on that later. So the riders dipped their wheels in the ocean, lined up for the picture, and headed to Boston.
<br>
<br>This day is a slow one because of at least 100 traffic lights along the way. And I am sure we stopped at half of them. But there is only one way out of a town like LA. It was interesting because for at least 20 miles most of the group stuck together. It was not the usual see how fast you can get to Riverside. They were enjoying getting to know each other. Of course eventually the group spread out and of course I was with the last group to come in. I was with two of the Brits (Tim and Geoffrey) and the mechanic Rik who was riding sweep. They were all very nice to help me in. I was pretty tired by the last 15 miles.
<br>
<br>Well, I got the first and only flat of the day. I picked up the biggest staple I have ever seen. It didn't take any tweezers to pull that out. At orientation Geoffrey said he could change a flat on a back tire in less than 3 minutes. And he proved he could. Boy was I glad he was there. I could have changed it but it would have taken more than three minutes for sure.
<br>
<br>Now for the wind. Headwinds going into Riverside. And they were strong. That was not fun.
<br>
<br>"I do not bring back from a journey the same self that I took." W. Somerset MaughamJan Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239765616857305915noreply@blogger.com2