Distance: 139 miles
Average Speed: 20.9 mph
Terrain: 2220 feet. An occasional rise that was flattened by the tailwind
Winds: Strong tailwinds all day
Today was the easiest 139 mile day I’ve ever done (well, it’s only my second 139 mile day), and I did it solo. We were headed northeast from Ohio into the Erie, Pennsylvania area and up the shore of Lake Erie and the wind was coming out of the southwest at a steady 15 mph. It rained, and I didn’t care. It just took away the rolling resistance. You dream about days like this because going fast is fun and riding 139 miles slowly is a drag.
I owe the residents of Warren, Ohio an apology. The north part of their little town is fine. I’m still holding a grudge against the mouthbreathers in Akron and Canton, though. Erie was a happening place today. They had a local bike ride going on, a bunch of yard sales, a nice central square. The route kind of meandered through the city before putting us right on the shore of Lake Erie for the ride into Dunkirk.
Some random observations:
A good friend of mine, Todd, once made the claim in an Exeter, Pennsylvania Burger King that, “Lake Erie. That f------ humongous.” He was right, and the nuns giving us dirty looks were way out of line. Now that I think of it, what were nuns doing in a Burger King anyway?
I’ve lost 3 pounds over the ride. That’s good. I started it pretty whittled down and didn’t want to lose more until right at the end. Some folks have dropped quite a bit, though. Supposedly this is the week where people start getting gaunt.
There are a ton of vineyards on the shore of Lake Erie. I wouldn’t have thought they could take the hard winters, but there are a bunch of them. I didn’t sample the wines. Sexybike disapproves when I drink and pedal.
I punctured at mile 135 right at the Dunkirk line, right after the SAG van went by. I did the same thing in Springfield. There’s nothing like fixing a puncture in the rain ten minutes from your destination.
Now some video with narration in my ongoing efforts to please everybody.
Later.
28 days away from the West Coast, Andy. Fantastic and inspirational.
ReplyDeleteYour stamina and endurance are amazing, Andy. Your speed was well known, but to do the long cross-country trip with daily rides that average over 100 miles and finish strong and healthy is impressive. //Ron
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing you in full sail in Richmond IN. What an interesting group of riders. Your Dad was forced to eat the rest of the chocolate chippers since he failed to remind you that they were in the back seat next to him. Your Uncle Bob suggests that if you are anywhere near Syracuse, NY you could see David Elking. Please tell Sexybike that another stalwart lady won the Preakness. Females rock!
ReplyDeleteStay focused, be safe and rock the ride.
Love, Mom