98.5 mi, 4,525ft gain, 54-67F / overcast sidewind with light rain at end.
Cooler start to the day with the cloud cover sticking around. Probably should’ve had my coat, but I kept in mind we were climbing today. With the side / headwind we decided to stick to a group for the majority of the ride today.
We made our way with so many turns and curves on backroads. It wasn’t until the 75 mile mark we climbed at our own paces. Knowing you have 2 more days of 90+ miles a day really sets you straight when you consider going faster.. not to mention the 108 yesterday and this is day 5, in a row of 7.
There is so much greenery here.. yet, It’s oddly making me wish I was home. I’m so thankful I call Arizona home, and I miss it. The sun.. man I miss the sun, the heat, the dryness.. the cacti. Tonight I was talking to someone about the Canyon and I so badly wanted to grab my hiking shoes and do a rim river rim. But I’m here, in the middle of all this wetland and greenery, where it’s basically the opposite. I miss the riding in Arizona. Our roads are so nice compared to these. If my wheels make it through this trip to ride again I’d be so thankful. Today I hit so many cracks and bumps I started giving up looking for a good line. Anyway.. only 9 more days of riding til we’re finished and this bucket list trip across country will be added to my list of wild adventures.
Today’s ride had an interesting area of wetland.. on either side was a marshland. I sort of just stared as I rode.. my brain almost does not understand why or how there is so much water. Why doesn’t it drain or flow away? I spotted some cranes, osprey, and other various animals around it. The area is called the Funk Bottoms Wildlife area. Link
Today’s ride was a let’s get this done type ride for me. I did manage to take a few pictures.
I might need more food, feeling a bit hangry at the moment. Might walk to get something. Big day tomorrow again.
Total mileage to-date:
2,645 mi
Total elevation gain to-date:
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