Today we are scheduled to ride from Riverton to Casper, WY. As I looked over the schedule I anticipated that this could be one of our most challenging days. It could be hot, it could have head winds, it was 120 miles, and all of these factors signaled me that this was going to be one hard working day. On “Team Stop A Lot”, our philosophy is that every day is a great day, so just get on your bike and ride, take what comes, laugh a lot, be a kid again, and let the day take care of itself. Every day has been a great day for us.

Last night at road rap we were told of 12-15 miles of major road construction on our route. Our leader, Mike, had checked with DOT and they would not let us ride across the construction area. There simply was no road, just dirt. So every one had to be shuttled across or hitch a ride with a new friend in a pickup.

We started riding at 6:00 AM. It is the first time I wished I had a light on the back of my bike. For the first 20 minutes it was dark, and then the sun broke the horizon. It was cool; the riders wore arm warmers, vests, and windbreakers. Our first SAG stop was at mile 34.7. We made one stop earlier in the town of Shoshoni for something to drink and to use a bathroom.

When we arrived at the SAG the first van was just about loaded with bikes and riders. Seeing that it was full some riders, who had been at the SAG awhile, decided to pedal on and take their chances by catching a ride with a passer by. We ate and refueled our bodies, and while we were doing this the other van arrived. We proceeded to load our bikes on and got in. For most riders this was the first time in a motorized vehicle since Astoria. There was only one lane open so our van moved up into line and we waited our turn. As we drove through the construction site it was clear that it would have been very dangerous and just plain stupid to attempt to ride through this area.

We were dropped off about 16 miles later and proceeded to the town of Hells Half Acre, the second SAG, and lunch. There was a little privately owned café there over-looking this fascinating geological site. Most of the riders as they came in decided to have lunch here. As you can imagine we gave this place more business than they would have had in a week. They did a good job and the riders were very patient. Onya, one of the riders (18 years old) played the piano and sang. The mood was festive and relaxed. The burgers were huge, _ pound each. Steve and Dan ordered a burger; this would become a factor later. Mary had a jr. burger and I had a grilled cheese sandwich. It was very good food.

When we departed Mary got a little spunky, taunting Dan and Steve who had this huge burger in their stomachs. Mary had been on the low energy side all day and this move took people by surprise. Well, this created a very different mood for the group than our previous one of a hard working, disciplined pace line, and an orderly rotation. So picture this: Mary was leading, I was riding in the second position, with Dan following and Steve bringing up the rear. Mary’s taunting must have inspired Steve. The last two days Dan had zoomed by Steve on his aero bars and, just at the moment of passing, turned his head toward Steve and gave him a big toothy grin, then proceeded to leave Steve in the dust. Somehow, Mary’s antics signaled Steve that it was pay back time. He bolted from last position and went by Dan like he was parked in a bike rack on the downhill side of a steep slope. Dan was caught by surprise, hesitated for a moment, and then figured out that this was a serious challenge. Steve was well out front by now and Dan took off in pursuit. Dan figured that if he didn’t catch Steve prior to the top of the next hill he would never catch him. Dan caught up with Steve nearing the top of the hill. Steve stood up on the pedals and pounded his way up to the top. Both riders were sprinting and laughing as they crested the top of the hill. The duel continued as they pedaled down the other side. Steve had his pay back and the duel was over.

While all this was going on Mary and I were working together, taking turns pulling and trying to close the gap. Mary kept asking me when I was going to go after them. I said I am happy right here. As we pedaled up the hill Mary fell back. When I crested the hill, way off in the distance I saw Steve and Dan riding with another rider named Steve Beck. My guess is that they were nearly _ of a mile to a mile ahead of me. I had a long downhill at my feet. I looked in my rear view mirror at Mary struggling up the hill. I looked ahead at a target and the long downhill, and the answer was provided for me as I started to pick up speed.

With my head down, hands on the drops, legs spinning and gears clicking, I took off after my prey. I tried to control my move in order to keep my pulse under control. This was going to take a sustained effort to close a gap that large. As I continued this move, I was going about 29-30 mph most of the time. Periodically I would look up. I was encouraged by what I saw. I was making great progress, but could I keep it up? I knew Dan was the only one with a rear view mirror and he would be watching. I continued to spin at a furious pace, heart pounding now and my breathing was off the charts as I zeroed in on my prey. Just as I was about to pass the line of three, Dan tried his best at a sprint. This caught the other two completely by surprise and then…they saw why. I smoked by the first two riders and continued past Dan. They were all shouting and laughing. They had no idea I was anywhere near. Dan had been watching my progress and did not say a word. As soon as I passed the entire group, I sat up and caught my breath. You know what they say, “There is no fool like an old fool!”

The four of us rode together while I recovered from my effort. Then, with about 20 miles to go, we hit smooth, fresh pavement. Dan dropped down on his aero bars, followed by me, Steve and Steve. The road was descending and we had a crosswind. We rode one behind the other, but at a diagonal so as to get protection from the crosswind. For the next 15 miles we rode between 27 and 34 mph all the way into town, taking turns pulling and resting. We ended this run-away train as we came into town. We were all spent but no one wanted to call it off. I was leading the group and Dan yelled something about stopping for a drink. That was all I needed. My legs and lungs were toast. I turned into a Taco Bell and we all went in and got the largest soft drinks they had and proceeded to replay our antics. Steve Beck pointed out that this was the fastest century he had ever completed. We averaged, over 100 miles, about 19.7or 8 mph. Just then Dan spotted Mary on the road. I ran out of the building, nearly knocking a customer over and yelled at Mary. She wheeled around and joined us.

It was only a couple of miles to our motel and a day of rest, a much-needed day of rest.

We were blessed today. It was a day that I anticipated as being very difficult but favorable wind, a long downhill and a competitive spirit made the experience pure joy. I know there is more then one lesson to be learned here, but for now I am going to rest, savor the day, and recover. Tomorrow we rest. By my figures we have traveled almost 1,323 miles and climbed over 49,762 feet by bicycle. Barb told me tonight that we have completed about a third of our journey across America.

Have a great Friday and a great weekend. On Saturday we leave for Lusk, WY, 106 miles. Be safe and thanks for riding across America with me.

Click here to see more pictures from today!