Prineville to John Day is done.
This is the day I have worried about for a year. It was a day of extremes. 13.8 mph avg. (for our group this is extremely fast for the length and climbing involved) We had a 1hr Lightning delay. Tour does not ride in lightning storms. Ride in rain, but, not lightning. On paper this is the hardest day. 116 miles, 5,000 vertical ft. of climbing, 25 miles in ONE downhill stretch. After the downhill we had 30 miles of slight uphill. We paired up stonger and weaker riders of the group and rode HARD to the end. Encouragement, instruction and enthusiasm can do wonders. HUGE lightning bolt on mainstreet and downpour just as we turned into the motel. Huge adrenalin rush and now I am dead tired. Will shower and go to bed.4 riders on the tour had never done a century (100 miles in a day) before.
sam
I can't imagine where you found the strengh to send these words off to us after a day like this. All those months of training really showed their stuff today. So now you have the worse day behind you, which should give you more encouragment to push on. How's your knee? Have a good day, Sam. Baker City is waiting for you... only 81 mi. Dick S.
ReplyDeleteKnees are actually better today than yesterday, put ice on them last night then Ben Gay in the AM before riding. Riding with a slower group puts less stress on all the body parts. Glad I trained hard.
DeleteSam, that was a day of true grit on your part. Amazing! Take care.
ReplyDelete116 miles and 5,000ft climb!? That's brutal!:)
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to ride with you for the Fond du Lac - Manitowoc leg, but I've got the in-law family reunion that weekend. We'll see you at the after-ride-party at your house!
Take some video on your camera and post to Youtube!
Paul Hancock
Good morning and congratulations! I can only imagine, but your imagery of the lightening bolt arrival helped give this day some real excitement. I hope you are not sore today. We are happy for you, and enjoying your feats vicariously. Energy! Ginger, Glenn, GB
ReplyDeleteSam, thanks for all the updates on your epic journey. Military survival instructors like to say, "it ain't training if it ain't raining". Sounds like your group has already seen a fair amount of rain but commend your positive attitude. Keep on trucking.... Gary TX
ReplyDeleteRide leader is ex air force. 23 years. He was a navigator and spent most of his time in the far east. moved. Runs a tight unit with an obvious commanding attitude, very good, very effective
DeleteSAM! Your biking skills are amazing and the daily blog is excellent. Keep it up! Carol, Milwaukee
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying reading your blog. And my knees don't hurt a bit! :) So amazed at what you are doing! mjkb
ReplyDeleteWow!!! A.J. and I hiked up the 1200 feet in Kaua'i this week...nothing compared to your accomplishment. We enjoyed a Mai Tai for you. Keep up the inspiring work. You ROCK!!!Sarah and A.J.
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