Day 16 Mountain Home to Gooding
Just to finish up yesterday, after I blogged I went to my bike in fear and trembling, to check my tires. Wouldn't you know it, flat front again, #6. Andy DeVries gave me a near new tire to try, so I put that on and today I am happy to report, 0 flats! Must be Kevlar. My tire must have something in it yet that I've not been able to see. Should have brought me readers after all.
Today we carry on with sweep duties, so up at 5:30 to get organized personally and then bring breakfast and lunch supplies to the tables. The sweep team eats after the others, then cleans everything up as required, and hits the road just afer 9. I enjoy my sweep team, we have a good mix of people helping out. When sweeping, our job is to help people who are "slow" or having trouble. It means we go slower ourselves once we catchup to the first such cyclist.
We caught the first one at 37 k (23 mi) or 63 k to go. He ended up getting picked up by the truck as he wasn't feeling well. We then had lunch in Glenn Ferry, a town that is trying to revitalize itself with tourism (pic of old bldgs). There is a state park for camping close by.
We got to Walter's spot at 2. It was then 100 degrees, but just around the corner we came to an area with a cool breeze. We soon caught up to a rider, struggling along. We all stopped at a place called Bliss, pop 384 at a gas/convenience store called Stinkers. Idaho's answer to 7 11. They're everywhere. Anyhow, they sold chocolate milk, so I was happy. Fred, cycling earlier, also had a chocolate milk at Stinkers and agrees, it's very good near the end of a ride. I put ice from their pop machines into my water bottles. The ice doesn't last long, but it's better than always drinking warm water.
We finally got into camp at 4:30, so today was a long hot day, but still enjoyable. Tomorrow we have our longest day yet, 130 k (81 mi) Today's totals, 110 k (66 mi), 4:30 cycling time (almost 3 hrs waiting, lunch, Stinkers time) avg 24.8 kph (15 mph)
Just talked to Fred M. He said he was reposting pictures. Hope that helps. I've got 4 from today. PS, Cousin Dick (aka Richard) I passed your greetings on to Alex V. How nice of you to gather 8,000 people together in Taber to follow along he says.
Tomorrow AM, I am to be interviewed by KDCR, Dordt's radio. Hopefully something clever and insightful will come to me while I sleep.
3 Comments:
Hi Rand, I just checked out Fred's blog but did not see any new pics, I will check again tonight, it may just be slow. It sounds like everything has been going pretty good for you(aside from the flats). You guys are doing great. I stopped by your office yesterday and they said everything was pretty quiet so no worries there. The boys have been great around the house and I am keeping busy with biking/walking and running, and even paying the odd bill or two. Keep up the good work! Lots of hugs and kisses Shelley :-)
Hi Randy & Fred,
I think Fred's blog is still having difficulties. Can you ask Fred to call me tonight either around dinner time or after 9pm. The youth is hosting a baseball game at church tonight so the boys and I will be there till around 9ish. Everything is going great in Chillwack, miss you and your guitar at church. We were bandless last Sunday which was kinda of weird but went still went okay.
Sounds like the two of you are set in your schedule getting up early and put in your bike time. The next couple of days are long but then taper off to the weekend. You can do it! Everyone is talking about the blogs. I think you should give up your day job Randy and become a writer. Hope your interview with D/C goes well today. I am sure you won't run out of things to say as the passion burns from within. Say hi to the ladies and the rest of the gang. Elly.
Hey Randy,
We're really enjoying your blog. Too bad we can't pick up KDCR way up here on the top of the mountain or we'd love to tune into your interview.
Feeling proud to have a least one celebrity in the family,
SD the sil
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