Sunday, July 8, 2007

Day 21 - Lusk WY to Hot Springs SD a tough, fun ride

Day – 21 – Lusk WY to Hot Springs SD
Green things and smoke



Above is a new experiment I am trying for today. Let me know how you like it and forgive the couple of typos. Click on the play button and see my photo documentary for the day. It was pretty easy to do but took a little time.

Euphoria Meter (1-10): 7
This was a much more interesting ride than what we’ve been experiencing. Cooler temperatures, shorter distance


Ride Stats:
Distance: 95.72 miles
Riding Time: 6:05 hours
Max Speed: 42.2 mph
Average Speed: 15.7 mph
Miles Traveled: 1,516
Miles to go: 2,113

Weather: 67 degrees in the morning. The day heated up to a pleasant 85 when we arrived


Incidents and Rider Report:
Our breakfast took 1.5 hours this morning. The local greasy spoon wasn’t quite ready for 75 chow hounds to descend instantaneously at 5:45 am on a Sunday morning, despite America by Bicycle’s preparation call to them.
Mark Mendelsohn hopped on the tri-motor to relieve the second cylinder, Kelly and rode the bike with Will and Jennifer up some of the steep climbs. Kelly waited for the SAG to pick her up. Mark said it was lots of fun.
I spent the first two thirds of the ride with Rich. He’s now confident and capable of keeping up a really healthy pace. We stopped for photo opps, but not much.

How I Feel (1-10) : 9
Today I tried the two pair of shorts method and applied bag balm two times during the ride. That seemed to make a big difference in my comfort. I did get one suggestion to wear the first pair of shorts inside out to get less friction on my pelvic floor region. Everything else is in pretty good working order. Rich went out last night at 8pm, I stayed up way late til 9:30 but had a good night sleep. We were both up at 5:00 am and loaded up in the box by 5:40.

Stuff happens:
The fun part about today was the change in scenery. Things are now more than just sage brush, dirt and mountains off in the distance. I took a fair number of pictures and video clips that I’m going to try to put into a brief slide show and make part of the blog. Wish me luck.
And, for those of you who leave me comments I really appreciate it. It helps me feel connected with my friends and family that I have been away from for so long and miss a great deal. Thanks for adding them!
On the last 15 miles or so into town we were greated with intense smoke from a fire started by lightening on the other side of the mountains surrounding Hot Springs. We saw huge fire fighting airplanes and exhausted firemen sprawled out on the side of the road. We spoke to a few of them who said that the fire was out of control and their efforts were not making any progress. Several dozen folks have lost their homes. I guess there is some risk it could spread to the town we are in. Hope we are gone by then. We wish the best of luck to Hot Springs on this terrible fire.
The town of Hot Springs is a pleasant surprise. Apparently founded on the basis of the “Hot Springs” that are here. At one point when mineral baths were more in vogue that town accommodated thousands of visitors regularly to their bath houses and the springs. Max, Mark and I took a trip the springs and had a relaxing, therapeutic time there. Mark and I both commented how much younger and energetic we felt. Max said he couldn’t tell the difference. Ahhh youth is so wasted on the young.
Tomorrow promises to be a challenging day. Six thousand feet of climbing over 72 miles. We get to see both the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. The group is excited about having something interesting and touristy to see.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

The You Tube worked great! The music was a nice touch.

Russ Morgan said...

I liked the You Tube. Sounds like you are settling into the routine pretty well by now. By the way, you haven't been gone all that long. It just seems like it to you.

Anonymous said...

Ralph, I really liked the you tube segment. I've been following the entire trip. You guys look great. Say hi to Rich for me. Tom

Anonymous said...

Ralph, I AM NOT ANONONYMOUS! Tom Bullock

Anonymous said...

Or Anonymous either

Anonymous said...

I liked the you tube too. I am excited for you to see Mt. Rushmore. When we were there last I believe you had lost Brownie. I'm sure you still miss him.

Anonymous said...

I like the You Tube too. Does this mean no moew web page? I,ve missed your daily letter for the last two days and was fooling around just now and cliqued on something and got your you tube. I like reading Rich's blog as I get his view as well as yours of the trip.