Day 19 - Dalhart, TX to Guymon, OK - 73 miles

Just the stats: 73 miles, 11.9 MPH average, mostly flat land now with rolling hills, cumulative 1,276 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 65 to 72 degrees. Headwind all day - ugh!!

Here's the story. Long straight road. Flat. Headwind all day.

Although the day was only 74.2 miles the relentless 15-20 mph head wind all day long with no let up made it brutally hard. This ride was the equivalent of 8 spin classes in a row. Probably the hardest day of the trip. Five of us riders got through the day by teaming up to form a pace line. We rotated counter-clock-wise taking turns leading/pulling and drafting off each other. Still, we were lucky to maintain an 8 to 12 mph pace. I was never so glad to leave Texas after less than 24 hours in the state, we are now in Oklahoma.

Medical Report: Frank had to have an emergency root canal done. Ouch!! Richard and Dave collided and Dave took a very nasty fall. He is going to have some very nasty scars. About half or more of the riders got into the sag wagon at some point today because of the tough winds. The rest of the riders (like the five in my group) just got into some sort of pace line and ground it out. Overall there have been few injuries and none of the 32 riders going all the way across the US has dropped. This is overall a very strong group of riders, the women as a group are by far stronger than the men.

Here is my Garmin info: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2888598

Thanks to all of you who have made comments on my blog. I do read them and it makes me laugh and choke up too. I feel all of your prayers, love and support carrying me across the country. Thanks.

Tom