42 miles ridden – 1289 feet climbed
After yesterday’s exertions everyone looked genuinely pleased to be eating breakfast at 6:30 rather than 5:30 and we didn’t leave until nearly 9am. It was much cooler for most of the day – well around 30C rather than 37C but it all helps.
First stop were the Shoshone Falls which was pretty spectacular although after yesterday many of us did not want to drop all the way down to the bottom of the gorge and climb up again when we didn’t have to. Still pretty spectacular though:
We did not ride on the Interstate today but we rode along side it which results in mixed feelings. While we do not have to worry about the proximity of traffic we still have all the noise but the road surface wasn’t so good on the ‘Frontage’ road as they call it. Nevertheless with it being a bit cooler and a shorter day it was again much more sociable and there were a few large groups riding more slowly and nattering.
Tomorrow is day 13 out of 50 and with the mileage tomorrow – 85 – we will be a quarter of the way through the trip. Hard to believe and still very daunting. We lost one of the group today who has been sick and can’t carry on – hopefully he will rejoin at a later stage – but it re-emphasises to us all just how tough this challenge is.
During the course of today we had a scavenger hunt which I am pleased to say my team won. We received a sticker, some gum, a voucher for Dairy Queen but most importantly we get to go first at tomorrow nights buffet dinner. Simple pleasures – cycling, sudocream and a full belly.
Hi Nick,
My wife and I met your Uncle John and Aunty Sue in Mallorca (Port de Pollenca) earlier in the week. They kept seeing me walking past their balcony with my cycling kit on so they were keen to tell me about your trip to cycle across America and your blog. I’ve now made it one of my daily routines to read the latest update and its a good read. All the mental challenges you talk about ring true with me on some of the harder cycling challenges ive done, so you’re not alone there. I always found that a way to combat it was to reward myself with food / treats at regular intervals as a pick me up. Also to talk about it with fellow participants also helps, as it sounds like you’re doing to manage it. Well done on your achievements so far and i will continue to read the blog. Best Regards, Jon Croft
Hi John, as I was cycling through the Badlands today it occurred to me that I had not yet responded to your kind email and words. They are very much appreciated.
This really is quite an experience. The physical side is pretty much OK – it’s the mental side of Ride – Eat – Sleep – Repeat that is the real learning curve.
Hope all is well with you and thanks again for your kind wishes.
Absolutely brilliant. Loving the blog. Keep it up.