Yes, a lot of climbing today, over 7000 feet. That includes all the little ups and downs as well as one big climb of 2000 feet after we'd ridden about 70 miles. Couldn't have been more lucky with the weather in these final few days. It was another day of sunshine and temperatures in the seventies. Just right, not too hot on the ups, and not too cold on the downs.Out of the farmland now and into wooded hillsides and lakes. All very beautiful, but maybe a little too perfect. A bit like the lake district in the UK, you know, absolutely beautiful, but everywhere selling crafts and maple syrup. Give me the hidden gems of New Mexico and Ohio. Maybe that's harsh, if you've only got two weeks, definately come and see it. Crossed the Hudson river, which I should be seeing again in a few days time in New York. Another three State day today, crossed into Vermont at about 60 miles and then into New Hampshire at 110. Tomorrow we cross very briefly into Massachusetts which I'm pretty sure makes 15 States in all.
We're in such a routine now. There's always the morning piss break which comes between 20 and 30 miles. The shout goes up 'STOP' and we all dive in the bushes. Then between the last SAG and the hotel with about 20 miles to go there'll be a stop at a service station for a final energy drink or chocolate bar. This is one of the nicest parts of the day, the hard work is generally done and we've got about an hour to roll into the finish. It's usually about 15 minutes of chilling in the afternoon sun.
Like I said, a lot of climbing, but also of course a lot of decents. We were on a two lane highway, but quite a main road most of the day, which meant wide open turns. It's not my favourite type of decent, I prefer the sharp hairpins where you have to get heavy on to the breaks and then accelerate out of the corners, keeping pace with the traffic. This was basically point it downhill and hang on. Some of the guys got over 50 mph. My top was 42, because I'm not that confident. Top speed for this trip was 46.7 mph, down a long straight hill into Albuquerque. That's it, I'm never going that fast again.
Photo shows Barbara talking to a guy who's doing a solo trek across the US, then down to the bottom of Argentina. Now that really is completely nuts, I've got no wish to do anything like that. Fully supported is the only way to go.
Bike started to make one or two complaining noises today, but should be OK for tomorrow. I imagine it will be like the car at the end of The Blues Brothers, it'll get to the ocean perfectly and then just fall apart completely. Obviously a very long day, but I felt fine throughout. A bit tired after 90 miles, but who wouldn't be, before I got a second wind.
Seven of us went out for dinner again. We're such a bonded group, but it's probably time for this thing to end now. If we rode for another 33 days I imagine it would be the same group of four riding every day and the same group of seven eating out every night.
Doubt I'll have time to write anything tomorrow. It's another long day, 110 miles with a fair amount of hills. Then we get to the ocean! Then we get shuttled by van back to the hotel, then there's the bikes etc to pack, then a final meal, speeches etc. I'll try to write up the final day and provide some final thoughts very soon, by the end of next week at the latest.
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