Monday 9 June 2008

Day 8 Winnemucca to Battle Mountain.

Today's ride was shorter than the last two in the desert and everyone was hoping to treat it as a bit of a recovery day. We got up later than usual, loaded the trailer later and didn't leave the hotel until 8:15am, last as usual. Gary was back with us today after 'medication' so our group of 4 was back. We left town straight onto Interstate 80, it's like an old friend now. The wind direction was not helpful again, but was much reduced in strength and we were moving along well with each taking turns on the front. After several miles of flat smooth road we encountered our only hill of the day a 4% climb for about 2 to 3 miles, it seemed easy after the stuff we have already done. The only SAG of the day was at the top of the climb and by now the day had warmed up and again the sky was a cloud free zone.
After the stop was a great downhill into the Pumpernickel Valley, quite a sight from high up. We made great time at an easy pace into the town of Battle Mountain, its main claim to fame is that it has a great laundramat (I took a picture of its sign) and frankly it makes Fochrhiw look like Las Vagas. We had a great lunch in The Owl restaurant which is one of the original buildings and had some real character. The hotel was OK and the owner was resplendant in his pony tail, cowboy shirt and sported the largest belt buckle I've seen in a while (or ever). Dinner was in a Mexican restaurant and I'm not sure what I had, but it came with rice and beans (not as we know them), and was very nice.
The short day, just over 4 hours and easier conditions, gave everyone a chance to get themselves back together. Fettled the bike a little before bed to keep it running smoothly.
Today's distance was 55.6 miles.

3 comments:

Neil said...

Well done dad, seems like it's been hard going, but the jokes are of an extremely high (ish) standard so we all know you are still on top form.
Wish I could be there,
Love,
Neil

Gareth Poulton said...

Good work Wayne-o, this is starting to sound like tough work, but you must have ridden some serious fitness into yourself by now. Let's face it - I would have (on the Jan plan!). I always ride myself into the first week of Le Tour...

Anyway, when you open a blog post with something like 'I watched the sun rise over the Nevada desert..' you're making us all very jealous!!! Hope you're having a ball and eating plenty (I would). Stay safe and keep those wheels spinning.
Love,
Gaz & Hels
xx

Unknown said...

Dotty Evans wondered if she could camp on your back lawn, whilst you are away...what shall I tell her? CT
Your blog is great keep it up