Day 9 - Transition day

Today, according to John J, was a transitional day.  A transitional day is a day that just gets you from one point to another without anything spectacular along the way.  Our route took us either on the interstate or on the frontage road for 100 miles.  The scenery was ordinary compared to the previous days.  I did ride very well again today.  My legs were strong.  I did take a while to get over the first climb, but after that I was able to really soar on the downhill sections.  This route was one that could truly be called "all downhill after the first climb".  I believe that we climbed 1400 ft in the first 14 miles and only 400 more the next 90!  Whoo Hoo baby! Can you say recumbent friendly?

So, here is a day in the life of a PACtour cyclist:

5:30 alarm goes off and we get up and start getting dressed, put on sunscreen, pack bags
6:20 take bike out to bike racks, fill tires with air, fix water bottles with 3 scoops sustained energy and 1 scoop heed
6:30 eat breakfast - most of the time breakfast is served in the parking lot of the motel.  We have bagels, cereal, yogurt, oatmeal and pasteries to choose from.  Today Susan made eggs and sausage as well. I ususally just eat 1/2 a bagel with jelly.
6:59 take bag out to luggage van
7:00 start ride - most rides have support stops every 25-30 miles.  So, we ride to each stop taking pictures along the way.  At the support stops we refill water bottles and eat snack food.  At the first stop I always get a banana and at the second I may get cookies or potato chips.  Lunch is typically at mile 65-80, but was at mile 100 a couple days ago.  Lunch is always fantastic.  It could be anything from sandwhich fixings to grilled chicken.  Grilled cheese and burritos are my favorites. We always have some fantastic veggie salad or pasta too.  Plus there are always some great desserts.
3-6:00 get in from the ride - wash bike, grease chain, check the message board, get your room key, get recoverite, get wash soap for clothes, take bike in, take bag in, shower,
5-7:00 get supper
7-10:00 get everything ready for the next day, call home, write postcards, blog, go to bed...
Get up and start it all over again!

Prettiest vista of the day

The barn of the day

View of a loose paceline from the back of my bike.  Cynthia is the other recumbent in front of me

Mark from Indiana on a descent

Cynthia from Wisconsin on her recumbent

Cov from Colorado and Stan from Massachusetts

Paul from Australia

Susan from Illinois

Tim, Susan, Greg, Cynthia, Vikki and Paul at lunch

Big horns are coming tomorrow along with a new state - Wyoming!