Distance: 86.89 miles
Elevation gain: 366 feet
Avg speed: 15.1 mph
Max speed: 24.3 mph
Moving time: 5:44:19
For the most part, I have been focusing on the positives with regard to this trip. There have been many, and I don’t regret doing this for a moment. However, I think it would be worthwhile and meaningful to me to reflect on the negatives as well.
By the way, when I talk about the negatives, I am not referring to anything that Crossroads Cycling Adventures have done or not done. They have been fantastic, taking care of the many logistical concerns that a trip of this magnitude entails. I would ESPECIALLY like to give a shout-out to their mechanical support, without whom this trip would not NEARLY be as enjoyable. In addition to having upped my flat-fixing game thanks to their instruction and assistance, I have had a couple instances of shifting issues, which they have done a superb job of resolving in a prompt and efficient manner.
No, by the negatives of the trip, I’m referring to various physical ailments. First on the list: saddle sores! If you’ve ever had any, you know that they are not fun, and certainly detract from being able to enjoy the ride. Still, I have been pressing on and working through the pain. When this trip is over, I plan to take however long I need to OFF of the bike to give them a chance to heal.
Speaking of sores, about a month or two before the tour I bought a new pair of cycling shoes. My first pair with BOA closures. Did you know that if you cinch these things down TOO tight, that the wire that pulls them tight can dig into your foot right through the tongue of the shoe? Yeah, neither did I. I discovered this fact during the first week, and ever since then I find these shoes hurting my left foot no matter HOW loosely I close the shoe. There is a sore on the top of my foot where the wire was digging in, so now I have to find that happy medium each day between closing the shoe tightly enough for decent performance on the bike, but loosely enough to make the shoe comfortable, or at least less UNCOMFORTABLE for each day’s ride. That will be ANOTHER reason for taking some time off the bike.
Finally, on a trip like this, proper recovery is key. Yesterday’s ride was brutal, and for whatever reason I just didn’t fully recover prior to today’s ride. As a result, I felt sluggish and weak, and my legs felt heavy. Riding day after day after day certainly starts to take a toll on the body after a while.
Anyway, today we rode from Dodge City to Great Bend , and the weather forecast this morning looked like it was going to be more of the same.
Still, despite the fact that I was not feeling my best, I chose to push on, and I am SO glad I did! Our first stop (after the SAG) was at the Edwards County Sod House and Museum.
The other main sight of the day was up at Pawnee Rock, the highest point on the plains.
And, of course, my blog would not be complete without the day’s video:
Well, the hour once again is growing late, and we have more riding in store for us in the morning - we are headed to McPherson, KS. Should be (hopefully) an easier day, and I hope to feel better in the morning than I did for today’s ride. See you all tomorrow!
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