Just the stats: 96 miles, 18 MPH average, 2,279 feet climbed, 2,420 descent, cumulative 1,203 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 65 to 88 degrees.
Today we entered Texas.
This morning we were treated to very strong tailwinds for our ride from Tucumcari to Dalhart. For the first 35 miles I rode with the fastest riders in a double wide pace line, 12 of us. We flew along at an average speed of 20.8 mph.
The picture below shows the double wide pace line. That's me in the yellow jacket. Click on the picture, it should be a little clearer.
The second 35 I hooked up with three other riders and we kept a similar pace. After that I had enough. Following wheel to wheel you can't see or hear what's around you. I decided since I am retired I should throttle back and enjoy myself. It did help me get through a long day though.
The landscape was wide open and we could see for miles in every direction. The road was smooth for the most part. I have noticed in the west that the roadkill is a lot different than Maryland. We have seen coyotes, snakes and lizards along the road.
Approaching Dalhart we rode by the XIT Ranch feed lots which stretched to the horizon. There they feed on average 150,000 steers in pens. From a distance the hills were all black. When we got closer we could see the cattle. I don't have to tell you about the smell. Plus there was a lot of bugs in the air. We were getting hit with them everywhere. I had to brush them off of my clothes, spit them out and wipe them off of my glasses. Nasty!!
With the favorable tail winds I covered 96 miles by 1:00 p.m. so I went for a little snack. I've been losing weight a little more quickly than I'd like so I headed over to Subway for a sandwich and then onto Dairy Queen for a root beer float. Hopefully the post-ride snack, plus a full dinner, plus a Blizzard at Dairy Queen for dessert should be enough!
One of our riders - Gil - has posted his pictures to the web. Check out Gil's Photo Album Site
Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2874593
5 comments:
Tom, we're following you every day, and it sounds sooo great! It is an amazing journey. I'm so glad you're doing well, and doing it your way. Don't let those old guys push you! It's not a race, after all. I'll sing some of those hymn lines for and with you, and I'll even sing them as printed! lol lol I know he IS leading you home... We love you!
Uncle Tom,
I love reading about and seeing your amazing journey everyday. Your next bike trip should be MD to TN. Now about that roadkill......
Love you,
Judy, Jason, Ben, and Henry
Tom:
All the guys at Liberty Grove are rooting you on and praying for your safe return. Take care brother from an "off roady" bike fanatic.
Russ Snyder
Just to let you know that I following your journey, too. And praying for your safety.
I attended Steve's changing of command ceremony yesterday. Was really good to see them.
Larry
Tom,
What a great ride. I think all of us are enjoying this trip with you. I hope that helps make the ride even more enjoyable to you, to have all your friends along with you is neat. As for being an old retired guy, I am not retired and I don't think I could have gotten the bike out of the Pacific at the start of the ride. Way to go Tom, keep it up.
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