Just the stats: 77 miles, 15.0 MPH average, rolling hills. Climbed 4,951 feet, descended 4,794 feet. We only gained 200 feet in altitude today but we had plenty of roller coaster hills today. Cumulative 1,970 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunshine, 60 to 76 degrees, 82% humidity.
148 Roller Coaster hills gives new definition to lactic acid build-up. No sooner did we go up and down one hill, there was another.
It was a fun ride today. Sunny, warm, no wind, good roads - what a day. The scenery is beautiful, green hills covered with trees and fields. The road is this little used back country road with almost zero traffic. The first 26 miles were pretty easy, flat most of the way. The next 45 miles contained all the rollers, and the only thing to do is to ride these hills flat out.
The way to ride these hills was to charge down the hill -- gain as much speed as you can using the big chain ring hitting 35 mph and then crank hard up the hills shifting into the lower gears reaching the top - then repeat the process 146 times! Most of the hills were a 4% to 8% grade - moderate steepness, but a few were in the 12-14% grade range.
By the end of this ride I was physically spent but man was it fun. More fun than a kid should be allowed to have.
Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2976793
5 comments:
Uncle Tom, I think this is the closest you come to Iowa on this ride -- remember to wave North as you go by! You wouldn't be out there without Ragbrai 2006 under your belt, right?
Tom:
The guys at Dunkin Donuts met today and thought of you. You must miss home although your journey is spectacular. Thanks for sharing your adventure with everyone.
We look forward to see you in 20 days or less. Be safe and God bless.
Russ Snyder
Tom:
Ride well and safe today. My brother went to medical school in Kirksville, MO at NW Missouri University.
What a journey. God is good.
Russ
I went back and reread your entire blog. I also checked out the other rider's blog you reference...there's some great info there. He's really a great writer. But the difference between yours and his is incredible. You have such a grasp of the fullness of God's creation, and you write about it beautifully. I feel like I'm really experiencing it along with you. Thanks for taking the time to do this every day. And I'm praying even more for those witnessing opportunities you spoke of...here's hoping the other riders come to see Jesus in YOU!
I can just hear you yelling, "YAHHHHH", as you careened down those hills! What a beautiful day you must have had.
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