Tuesday July 25, 2023
We broke the “200 hours in the saddle” record today!!
Day 53
Miles: 85.6 – Total accent: 1,555 – Hours: 5 hours, 52 minute
Totals:. Miles- 2,672.28 – Accent- 87,740 feet climbed
202 hrs 37 minutes in the saddle
Carroll to Ames, Iowa
Today is a ride day, not a tour day.
On ride days, the focus is different. While you see really cool things along the way, stopping for photos is not practical. The time to decelerate, get the phone, take the photo, get back going, especially in a large group where you have to strategically find a safe spot to stop and start…well…it’s just not very practical.
Today will be Zachary’s longest ride yet. He’s doing amazing and is embracing the eat/drink regime.
I carefully watch our progress, evaluating at each pass through town we enter. We’re riding strong.
At about mile 50, we see and chat with Stu Carter. He’s looking strong and feeling great!
And today’s tradition?? Mr. Pork Chop!
A shout out to the three men in Wolf Jerseys who allowed me to draft. You were amazing to ride with!! Strong, predictable and consistent. It made about 8 miles go by so quickly!!
As we entered town, there was a bistro at the corner so we stopped for lunch. The burgers were amazing! Across the street, we watched as other cyclists rode in. And kaboom! Man down. Others surrounded him and directed traffic around him, paramedics came and 30 minutes later, the lane was cleared. We commented how many emergency vehicles we’ve seen this year…far more than in previous years.
With nearly 6 hours of moving time, we covered 85 miles. There wasn’t a lot of climbing so it didn’t feel bad.
Ice, drinks, dinner, shower, set up bedding, a call to Jake and the day is done. Tomorrow is the easy day…middle of the ride. Active recovery. And then the rest of the week…a true test of strength and endurance.
