Here it is Thurs June 11th and Marilyn just arrived about an hour ago in Reno, Nevada actually Sparks if you are following the America by Bicycle Itinerary.
Wednesday was the easy day only 51 miles to prepare for the torture of Thursday, which was the climb up the Sierras.
Thurs was up at 4:15, breakfast by 5:15 and on the bikes by 6:30 AM and the group she was riding with got in at 6:30 PM. It was only 74 miles but mostly up hill but then once she got to the top it was 16 miles down. The fastest speed down was 38 MPH. The temperature when starting was 31 degrees so lots of clothes. But as the day went on it became much warmer and there is a reason for wearing layers.
Riding through Lake Tahoe was just the most beautiful site, very hard to describe unless you have seen it.
Marilyn has been riding with her same group Mary, Bob & Carol and they have named themselves 'The Stop A Lot Group'. And I am sure you can guess the reason why. They are always the last to arrive which creates a bit of a problem because others are ready for dinner and this group is just coming in. Marilyn would like to ride a bit faster but now is faced with do you leave the group you started with just to increase your speed or stay with them. She will make the best decision, as we all know Marilyn.
Her odometer is not working properly but unfortunately coming in late she misses out on the scheduled mechanics time. Right now it is in French......
Marilyn had a bit of a mishap today when coming in she attempted to get her jacket out of her bag when it got stuck in the derailer and when you wear toe clips you must unclip very quickly, she made it out but her jacket did not. They had to remove the derailer now she is short a jacket but she did fall.....
Marilyn is diligent about stretching in the AM and PM and it is working. She has aches but in all the right place.
Just a side bar: About 2 - 3 weeks before the ride it was discovered that the bike she was riding did not fit her body. She was in terrible pain from training and it was not the good pain so at the last minute she had to buy a new bike and had very little training time before it had to be taken apart and boxed up to be shipped. Well this was the right fit because she feels good, not sure of the name of the bike shop but it is in Westport. Thank you
According to the biking magazines the newest recovery drink is chocolate milk at the end of the day to prepare for the new day. At the restaurant yesterday the owner is a biker and had chocolate milk waiting for them when they arrived.
One of the bikers Ed, in his 50's had a death in his family, he had to fly out today but he is returning after the funeral.
Marilyn is discovering that you can ride the sag wagon when having a difficult time, of course for her this was something that she never even thought would be possible. So some are using this either going up or down the mountain, especially today but that will be a total last resort for Marilyn.
When I was talking to Marilyn she was doing her laundry then will go to dinner. I discovered when talking to her that her roommate Carol is doing her own blogging everynight and even uploading pictures. So of course I had to tease Marilyn because she has someone doing her blogging. I asked Marilyn to have Carol send me some photos then I will include them and I will get Carol's blog so you can read that as well.
Marilyn has no complaints and is have the time of her life, more in a few days.
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