Monday, July 19, 2010

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!

7 comments:

Susan said...

Life on PAC is amazingly simple and predictable, isn't it? Not easy, but simple. All we have to do is ride. The structure and routine is comforting in its own way, I think.

Bonhomme said...

what a great ride so far. Green with envy here. between your ride and Le Tour I'm having a great bike week here at home. Great writing too.


richard

Don said...

Michelle, you are doing great & it looks like you are enjoying. Super descriptions of your ride & great pictures. We're proud of you, keep up the good work (I'm not sure that I could have a ridden a motorcycle the distance you have covered up to this point). Can't wait to read your next blog.
Brother & Sister-In-Law---Don & Barbara

Rando Rob said...

I see you have settled into 'the routine' for each day on a PACTour ride. I miss it a lot. The pictures are great and your descriptions make me envious. You are having a wonderful experience, keep it going!

Anonymous said...

OK..all caught up. Awesome.

Oh..the box arrived and my Ti Aero got nestled inside and sent off to Florida to wait until I can bring it to South Africa or maybe not: In Johannesburg they have "bike jackings". Glad you only have to worry about jackalopes and jackrabbits!!

The "Who Shot the Sheriff" was a hoot. One of those memory forever days.

For the curious, what speeds are you averaging...curious what it takes to get to lunch on time on a PAC TOUR.

Ride Long and Prosper...

Slo Joe Recumbo

Unknown said...

I COULD OF TOLD YA MT SUX. THATS WHERE I GOT MY FIRST TICKET FOR ALEDGEDLY SPEEDING....THEY EVEN MADE US GO BACK INTO TOWN TO SEE THE JUDGE AN PAY THE FINE...
YOUR GRANDFATHER GROUNDED ME WHEN
HE FOUND OUT, TOO..I WAS 18 THEN.
BOY WAS I P.O.'ED..LOVE YOU AND HUG THE BIG OLE WHITE LINE FOR OLE
SMOKEY....DAD

Unknown said...

Missed this post. Grandson visiting and I am consumed with his and trying to get my training in. WHEW!! Tired.

Another wonderful read! Love seeing the country through your eyes and persective.