87.2 mi, 4,026ft gain, 64-77F / rain then very humid overcast
We rolled out with a large rain cell coming through our route. This is where things went a bit wrong for me. It’s totally my fault, I thought this could happen before coming on the trip but I thought it wouldn’t be this bad. My rim breaks with carbon wheels basically ride like I have no brakes in downpours. This is 100% not an issue in Phoenix. I’ve actually never ridden these wheels in rain. I knew it could be bad, this far exceeded my fears. It took about 5 times the distance to slow down or stop. At times it felt like I had too much speed to even stop in the rain. SO I stopped and stood there til the rain passed. Once it did I was still left with very wet roads and continued issues. I made my way slowly and carefully. Eventually we got to the area where it had not rained. Things dried out, my brakes returned.
After a lot of thought on this, I will either ride in the van on downpours or if we can make it happen.. Jason & my brother are working out a plan to get my other set of wheels to Edwardsville by mail. Eric is planning on coming to see me in Champaign in only days. SO, if this works, I will swap out wheels and send these carbon ones with Eric. We will pick them up on the way back to PHX. I’m sure by going through this trouble we won’t see rain again. Haha. But in the off chance we do, I will be much better prepared. What a bummer.
We stopped in Maysville, a small town for snacks at the local historical museum. They were the kindest people. It was like going to your family’s house. Many of them were cyclists and we really enjoyed talking with them. The amount of historical items they have in their building is amazing, dating back to 1840’s.
That stop was 31 miles in.. we had 85. From there to the end was somewhat challenging hill repeats. They’re short, but they really zap your legs. It reminded me all day of when Jason and I rode in at the Lake of the Ozarks and were wiped! I’m pretty tired. I’m trying my best to get things done tonight, like laundry, because the next 4 nights I will have family and friends to visit with at night! I can’t wait to see them, sure hope I can stay awake.
Giant photo dump for timing reasons:
Oh almost forgot this happened.. I put out a small wildfire! Ha
Total mileage to-date:
1,874.1 mi
Total elevation gain to-date:
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