Nevada? Part deux

 

 

 

Ron & I stopped for a snack at Hallelujah Junction and Ron didn't feel like shouting Hallelujah. All day long, for 6 hours we were bucking a headwind. I don't know how he does it, but Ron stayed in the front 95% of the time today. He just has the legs for this kind of riding. He told me today we should thank GOD for having the desire to even attempt something like this. Given the choice of desire to win or a natural athlete, I would choose the potential athlete who has that innate desire to win every time. Ron has more determination than anyone I have ever ridden with; and if I actually cross the finish line, it will be because of him.

I Think We Are in Nevada

 

 

 

 

We left our ghost town campout in Ravendale in the best weather of the trip thus far and Rich rode the first 25 miles of the day with us. We found a spot to photo our symbolic midpoint @ 778 miles under a rugged ranch entrypoint as we looked ahead at snow-capped mountains we would be riding past throughout the day. It is the coolest thing to look down the road as far as you can see and chip away at it one pedal stroke at a time.

Past Standish, we saw the elusive Rastagoat. Right after taking this pic, he went into a shack and smoke escaped the roof...wonder what he was doing in there? In photo 3, pro teams were setting up for a race this weekend. Can you imagine racing a motorcycle on this hillside? That's gutty. Heading south on 395, I saw a cairn missing it's top, so I climbed up to finish the job right.

Tim has been great this trip. He has been suffering with a knee problem and hasn't ridden much the last 5 days, but he has a servants heart. He endures Griffin's unlimited shenanigans, takes awesome photos, helps tidy the trailer and keeps supplying the riders with proper food & hydration. He is sticking with us all the way to San Diego.

We finished the day in Bordertown, CA or NV, I don't know which. I never saw a sign welcoming us to this fine state, but google maps tells me you have made it to state number 4. It looks the same as what I have been riding through the last two days. You decide.

Too Much Sagebrush

 
 
 

Finally we start the day with sunny skies. It must have been a balmy 50 degrees when we left Goose Lake campground. Our route today took us south on 395 all day long, which has been a winner...very scenic, remote and good pavement. To our left were snow dusted hills and to the right was the shallow Goose Lake. There were four riders making it to Alturas, our first break. Rich rode 53 miles, leaving Ron & I to finish the stage. We climbed to our highest point of the trip thus far and descended to meet the group at Madeline. I enjoyed the scenery for the first 30 miles, but after that I have seen too much sagebrush. Do NOT buy a vacation home here without seeing it.

Here is where things get interesting. At Madeline, it was decided to stay at Termo, about 14 miles away. Ron got a wild hair and cranked it up to 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32 and holding 33mph as I held his wheel. We had smooth roads, no traffic and a tailwind, so why not? You know, the last 14 miles of the day, let it rip! We got to Termo, a bona fide ghost town, slowed down and didn't see the trailer; so because we're guys we just continued to the next town 6 miles away. No trailer. Hmm. Let's call Dad. Oh, your'e in Termo? We'll ride back. Now we have a headwind and I was spent from the time trialing and I feel horrible. Made it though, but it might cost me tomorrow. Not too smart...because we're not even halfway. 99.5 miles and my shoulder is sore.

Riding the Tradewinds

 
 
 
 

I had a difficult time paring the photos to four today (internet speed is slow so it takes a while to blog). There were enormous changes in the environment we saw in our 101 miles cycling today. For the day, I averaged an astounding 19 mph.

We woke to snow, 27 degrees and strong winds from the south...can't ride in that. By 10:00, conditions were evolving to our advantage. Ron & I rolled out at 11:00 with cloudy, but dry conditions, 45 degrees and a slight tailwind. Within one mile, the road turned a little left and we caught the tradewinds riding 22 effortless miles in under an hour. Rich & John joined us and the terrain changed from sagebrush to alkali lakes and soaring cliffs dusted with snow...it was spectacular to see. There is very little traffic and everybody passed with a wide berth...except a state trooper.

Then we transitioned to the Oregon Outback; grasslands and valleys. We spotted about 30 antelope feeding, a low flying red-tail hawk and John had two coyotes run in front of him. A cold climb brought us into to Lakeview, where John & Zach caught their ride home. I am really gonna miss my friends; afterall, they planned this event and it won't be the same without them.

I must admit, it is kind of fun to be 'irresponsible' and do something like this. I reccommend anyone reading this to quit wishing and pursue what you have dreamed about doing. It is very rewarding.

Weather Delay

 
 
 
 

We woke to snow 200' above our present elevation and threatening clouds. The ground was soaked and winds were steady @ 18mph from the south...lousy conditions to commence our journey. Our stay last night in Riley(pop. 3) was fun, the proprietors, Dale & Pat Martin, were very friendly and we felt it wise to stay another night due to this present storm. By noon, the highway was dry and the sun even made a brief appearance, so that changed everything. John left by himself with Ron & I leaving maybe 20 minutes behind.

The road is undulating, but you can see straight for at least 10 miles where you are going. A light rain began to fall turning to M & M sized hail when Dad passed us. He slowed to see if we needed to turn back but I waved him on, grinning the whole time. Ron & I were dressed right for the occassion, but at home I would never ride under these circumstances. We finally arrived in Wagontire amassing a paltry 28 miles in two hours and the temp was 38. We never saw John; he had strong legs and an even stronger spirit and that's one of the many things I like about him.

We leaned our bikes up on the hitching post, made a fire and talked for a long time to Marty. He is really the ONLY resident of this town now. And he likes it that way.

I think we have another day of this bogus weather.

A Tough Day at the Office

 
 
 
 

Our day started without Tim, another casualty to injury (his knee). We rolled out in 40 degree calmness and quickly started a scenic climb of 2000' to the summit in the first photo. It is just beautiful country here! After a short descent, we rode on a plateau of grassland that just went on and on. At the break, John & Rich quit for the day leaving Ron & I to continue. We made it to Burns okay having to don rain jackets, but things got real tough after that.

The last 27 miles took a lot out of me, between wind & rain. If Ron had not pulled most of the way, I would have ended up like the coyote yesterday.

In camp, Dad cooked burgers and buffalo burgers for dinner...just excellent! Zach entertained us with his shooting skills...he has a lot of skills. What's next? Rich is the sharpshooter of the bunch, so don't mess with him. And Karen got to spend Mother's Day with 8 guys...but she never complains. 97 miles.

The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

 
 
 
 

We got an earlier start today and enjoyed 26 miles of riding with maybe 8 cars on the highway. I can see why the Rickert's bring their tours here and I plan on coming back. The roads are smooth and meandering, the sights and sounds are soothing and the people are great. Around every bend is another pastoral scene...except for the coyote. He picked his last fence to jump through.

If you are in this neighborhood some day, you must stop at the John Day Visitor Center(Sheep Rock Unit). There is an interesting museum of fossils and geology...best of all it's free. Riding East from here on Highway 26 is another smooth lonely road with more rock that is closer to the roadway so when your going 21-22mph, it feels like you're ripping. Ron & I just had to let the horses run, so he cranked it up to 27mph and held it there for a couple of miles and we caught our group fast(his ankle is sore now though). How much more do I have to tell you that this is a great place to bicycle?

In the town of Mt. Vernon, I saw my Dad talking to Bubba. He is shirtless with overalls, his teeth look like they have been filed down, he's wearing a cap with a fish hook skewered in the bill, but he has a heart of gold. Bubba gave us the inside scoop on whats down the road and possible weather at the summit of a climb we had planned to tackle today. We made the decision to go to John Day and camp for the night at the Grant County Fairgrounds and rest up. Everybody was real hungry and we enjoyed dinner at Outpost Pizza (two thumbs way up). Ron set up some hammocks, Griffin led us on a wood gathering expedition and Zach entertained us with his fire making skills.

We only logged 64 miles today, but we have been in too much of a hurry. This is probably my only shot at this and I want to savor it.