Day 18 Burley to Snowville

Each day is completely different from any other day while on tour. It has given a whole new meaning to the phrase "Tomorrow is another day". We don't know how it's going to turn out, just where we're going.

Today was a difficult day. As hard, perhaps, as the Stephens Pass day way back on Day 2. That seemed to be the general consensus as people came in today.

Fred and I started off with Greg D (IA) and David T (MI), but ended up losing them on the first big hill. That one started around 15 miles out. Our speed for that 5 k section was about 12 kph (7). Then a drop, followed by a second climb to our peak of about 5700'. After that it was a 2 mile descent. Very nice.

We stopped in Malta 60 k out as that was the last opportunity to see civilization until we hit Snowville 85 k (50 mi) later. This was the hard part, due mainly to wind that was either against us or at our sides. Much different than yesterday. We met Walter at the 100 k (60 mi) mark for some needed water refills. Right after that we crossed in Utah. Our 4th state now. The road to Snowville was straight as can be for the whole 40 k (24 mi). As far as the eye could see, there was the road. So today it was a mental challenge as much as a physical challenge.

Speaking of challenge, 3 cyclists tried a pizza challenge in Malta. A 15" pizza plus a litre of pop, and it's all free. Two made it, but the pizza didn't sit real well with them they say. No kidding. They told their story at peleton. Too funny. (inc Theo B)

So now we are at 4,450' elevation and it's cooled off quite nicely at 9. Everyone is feeling better now after supper and a bit of a rest.

Bottom line: 142 k (87 mi), 5:41 min saddle time (exact same as Stephens Pass day) at an avg of 25 kph (15). I'm surprised at that avg, but I think the one long downhill helped.