A completely different days riding today.
Started early again with a lot of traffic.
I left Folsom riding past prison road, which led to Folsom prison (that my dad informs me was) made famous by Jonny Cash.
It was busy with all the rush hour traffic but at least there was a decent shoulder that I could fit into. Still anything but relaxing.
Made it to Placerville at 9.30 ish for a food stop. From here the climbing really began and it was hard. The highest temperature on my GPS hit 35.5C. I was going uphill slowly and sweating buckets. I was having to stop regularly just to cool myself down in some shade, pouring my water supplies over my head.
People are very friendly and are always very happy to top up my bottles though.
The riding got tougher as the scenery got more stunning. I was travelling some beautiful roads, with big drop offs and huge trees lining the valleys, still backed by clear blue skies.
Been lucky with the weather in 1 respect but it hasn't made riding any easier
I travelled 47 miles today which isn't a big day in terms of mileage. It was a big day in terms of climbing though. 5,000 + ft climbed but still I end the day only at about 2,500/3,000 ft elevation. There were a lot of downhill stretches to counter the uphills. I was always smiling flying the downhill stretches but with majorly gritted teeth - I knew it was just undoing my hard work and creating more hard work commencing....... immediately!
My time from home to home today was 9 hours and 45 minutes. I guess about 7 to 7.5 hours of that was time on the saddle. I had about 8 stops but they were all brief.
I have made it as far as a place called 'fair play' which seems to be (fitting and) wholly made up of vineyards, wine tasting places, a pub, and beautiful rolling hills. Decided to give myself a day off tomorrow to get to know the place a bit better.
Aside from the obvious attraction fair play holds, my knees and legs were giving me signs they needed a rest. My right knee was squeaking as I turned the pedal and my left hamstring felt like it was ready to snap .
Hopefully day after tomorrow I will be in good condition to attempt the fairly steep climb to Carson city. Its 94 miles according to google though so it might be 2 more days continuous climbing. Will be Between 5-6,000 ft uphill and hopefully fewer of those annoying downhill stretches ;)
I'm pleased to report that it's live deer 12, dead deer 0. In fact just as I was writing this from the friendly pub I watched 2 deer cross the road just outside (and took a picture). Could have been 10-2 but they did well and made it.
Unfortunately racoons, skunk, snake, squirrels, mice and something else are all letting themselves down.
I'm taking pictures on my phone but they don't do this place justice.
Started early again with a lot of traffic.
I left Folsom riding past prison road, which led to Folsom prison (that my dad informs me was) made famous by Jonny Cash.
It was busy with all the rush hour traffic but at least there was a decent shoulder that I could fit into. Still anything but relaxing.
Made it to Placerville at 9.30 ish for a food stop. From here the climbing really began and it was hard. The highest temperature on my GPS hit 35.5C. I was going uphill slowly and sweating buckets. I was having to stop regularly just to cool myself down in some shade, pouring my water supplies over my head.
People are very friendly and are always very happy to top up my bottles though.
The riding got tougher as the scenery got more stunning. I was travelling some beautiful roads, with big drop offs and huge trees lining the valleys, still backed by clear blue skies.
Been lucky with the weather in 1 respect but it hasn't made riding any easier
I travelled 47 miles today which isn't a big day in terms of mileage. It was a big day in terms of climbing though. 5,000 + ft climbed but still I end the day only at about 2,500/3,000 ft elevation. There were a lot of downhill stretches to counter the uphills. I was always smiling flying the downhill stretches but with majorly gritted teeth - I knew it was just undoing my hard work and creating more hard work commencing....... immediately!
My time from home to home today was 9 hours and 45 minutes. I guess about 7 to 7.5 hours of that was time on the saddle. I had about 8 stops but they were all brief.
I have made it as far as a place called 'fair play' which seems to be (fitting and) wholly made up of vineyards, wine tasting places, a pub, and beautiful rolling hills. Decided to give myself a day off tomorrow to get to know the place a bit better.
Aside from the obvious attraction fair play holds, my knees and legs were giving me signs they needed a rest. My right knee was squeaking as I turned the pedal and my left hamstring felt like it was ready to snap .
Hopefully day after tomorrow I will be in good condition to attempt the fairly steep climb to Carson city. Its 94 miles according to google though so it might be 2 more days continuous climbing. Will be Between 5-6,000 ft uphill and hopefully fewer of those annoying downhill stretches ;)
I'm pleased to report that it's live deer 12, dead deer 0. In fact just as I was writing this from the friendly pub I watched 2 deer cross the road just outside (and took a picture). Could have been 10-2 but they did well and made it.
Unfortunately racoons, skunk, snake, squirrels, mice and something else are all letting themselves down.
I'm taking pictures on my phone but they don't do this place justice.
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