Another day and another state...the fourth. The wind really blows in Oklahoma! After a fantastic day yesterday, we got up to cool temps and a strong wind out of the north. We had a 73 mile ride to the NE...big time head winds. It was flat as a pancake with only 200' of climbing. I survived by getting in a pace line of six and spending over 4 1/2 hours grinding out the miles while looking at a back tire in front of me, when I wasn't leading. Bumber! Really glad this day is over. A number of riders decided it was just too much work and got a van ride into town along the route.
Frank, who just recovered from a knee injury, got up this morning with a tooth ache. We have five doctors and no dentist. He got driven to Guyman and spent the morning having a root canal. Hopefully the ride will settle down for him now.
We also experienced our first injury from a fall. Dave and Richard were finishing up their ride and when Richard braked and Dave didn't see it. Dave hit the bike and fell on his face. OUCH! He hopes to be on the road tomorrow, but will surely get the stares from the locals.
A great treat we had today was from a couple from Oklahoma that had done the ride some years ago, who had drinks and brownies for us at one SAG, and beer and wine at the end of the ride. It was a class touch for a hard day.
Tomorrow is a short 40 mile ride to Liberal, KS. We are almost in Kansas and the Wizard of Oz Museum!
Stats: 73 miles, 14.7 mph avg, 15-25 mph head winds, Temps 55- 70 deg, 200' climbing.
3 comments:
40 miles tomorrow?!!! I mean, why bother? You may as well add on the mileage from the next day too? You’re retired and riding across America!!! No loafing!!!!
Conversely, I added up the centuries from my own cycling career and I think I’m at about 8. Talk about humbled. You’re knocking off centuries faster than I can switch between programs on my Tivo!
I’ve always wanted the tail of a rattle snake. Break out your pocket knife if you ride by one on the side of the road!
Keep on rolling! J, D, N and baby Reese!
Loved the tale of the root canal. Even if you there was a dentist in your midst, the poor patient would still have to be referred to some one for definitive treatment. That kind of fouls up his ride also. Hope he is back in the saddle tomorrow; remember ..... better living through chemistry!
Hey Jim, congrats on your new record and may you continue avoiding saddle sores by spending less time in the saddle!
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