Just the stats: 103 miles, 14.9 MPH average, rolling hills. Cumulative 2,673 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 71 to 96 degrees, 88% humidity - hot weather is here. Rolling terrain, lots of very steep hills - a beautiful ride through farmland and small picturesque towns.
We climbed 5,347 feet and descended 5,267 feet. That's a lot of climbing.
This was one a very challenging riding day. The roads were terrible, the roughest roads we have had this whole trip, the highest humidity, and the steepest hills all in the same 100 mile day. The hills in the last 22 miles were so steep, they were almost un-rideable.
On the other hand, I will remember the fun I had swimming on this day. You see, about 70 miles into the ride as I was riding alone along side of a river, I found the perfect spot - a swimming hole complete with a rope swing!I didn't hesitate. I stopped, went down to the rivers edge, took off all my clothes but my riding shorts, dove in and had a ball. Along came my buddy Terry and in a flash, he was in the water too.
We came all the way across America to find this spot right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The water was great. Terry and I splashed around and swung on the rope for 30-40 minutes.
As you can see it is the perfect swimming hole. The tree with the steps nailed to it, the rope swing. Check it out! Is this Tom Sawyer stuff or what? Don't you wish you were here?
Refreshed, we cruised into the last rest stop - fueled up and rode the un-rideable hills - brutally steep and the road was so rough that it jarred you right to pieces. You would start up one of these hills under the blazing sun and by the time you got to the top your heart rate was just pounding in your ears, and the sweat was just running off. It didn't matter, we had our fun for the day.
Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3059481
7 comments:
When I was growing up we had a place similar to 'your swimming hole' - Beaver Creek. Though not as wide. And the water was always tinted a little red due to the red clay surrounding the water. On a hot Alabama summer day you just jumped in and had fun like you and your buddy did.
Larry
ps the boys i ride to a Sonic drive inn to get a milk shake some evenings - the ride there is mostly down hill - what goes down must go up, or something like that - fortunately it is only about a mile.
I think and pray for you each day, my brother.
Uncle Tom,
I can hear you now... yelling and laughing as you were swinging and dropping into the water! What a cool relief I'm sure. Stay safe and I think about you often.
Pap is definitely proud of you. I know you have a family cheering section up in Heaven and I hope Mom is the loudest (of course we know she is!)
Love you,
Judy
Judy - Thanks for note of encouragement, you really brightened up my day. Love you too. – Uncle Tom
Mr H. That rope swing looks awesome!! And it doesn't look like you were swimming in biking shorts, looks like wrestling tights or something??? :)
Good luck, and we'll see you soon!
Dad,
That looks so much fun! I do wish I was there, what an adventure you are having!
Bub, I'm so glad you found that perfect spot in the day when you most needed it! He always provides for us. I can just hear you saying, "Come on in!"
So what did you decide?
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