I really wasn't looking forward to today because of all the climbing. It's true it was relentless but the grade generally didn't get as steep/high as I had feared which helped.
I was still in the lowest gear most of the way though.
The first section after leaving the amazing 7up ranch, and Fair Play was desolate. I was travelling on a really quiet section. The open tree lined roads suddenly closed in on me and I was moving through what felt like thick forest with not a huge amount of sky visible as had previously been the norm.
It's the first time I have actually worried about becoming bear food. And worry I did. I have always struggled with paranoia and at this point I was excelling. No cars and the only noise I could hear was snapping of twigs occasionally in the trees around me. There probably wasn't a bear close all day but that didn't stop me crapping myself. Give me a honey badger in Wiltshire any day ;). I was mainly riding doing deep manly coughs a grunting and whistling to make my presence known to any predators. Must have looked like a right tool.
I (firstly) rode 46 miles uphill all the way until I reached kirkwood.
Total climb was 7,500 feet with about 2,000 ft worth of drops.
It was generally a really nice ride but halfway through I moved onto highway 88 which got busy at times but the views towards the top were great.
I planned to stay in a place called rockstar lodge in kirkwood. I had looked it up on the Internet but had no reception all day so couldn't call ahead. My phone signal literally flickered back on when I hit kirkwood. I called the number to get directions and a bloke answered the phone and said the place had shut down.
Bollocks. Is there anywhere else round here? No. Bollocks, thanks.
This was a major pain in the backside literally. My mood had been good all day but the final 5 miles had become very difficult, light was fading a little, it was also getting cold and my legs/knees were starting to really tighten up.
I was really looking forward to getting off the bike and chilling. After a bit (lot) of cursing, and telling kirkwood what a dump it was I worked out my only option was a lot more riding - to climb the final 900-1000 feet over 5 miles to Carsons pass!!!
Once at Carsons pass the 20 mile down hill stretch commenced meaning there really wasn't any more need to pedal.
I travelled 16 miles downhill continuously until I reached woodford. It was good fun but bloody freezing once you start going at speed and not pedalling.
Even on this section I noticed the landscape change a bit. It had just rained before I travelled down this last bit and the smell of the trees/plants was intense!
I finally reached the woodford inn. The owners here again are extremely friendly and helpful. Mr woodford inn insisted on driving me to the shop so I could buy some food. The shop was closed so he again insisted on driving me to the next town to see if I could get a sandwich takeaway. Again closed so he brought me back to the inn. His daughter gave me some burritos and he gave me a beer. I tried to give them money but they wouldn't take it!!
I will be wholeheartedly recommending this place to any travellers I see coming in the other direction. I have some business cards ready to give out. I asked if they treat all their customers like this and they said absolutely yes. Great business.
I have taken millions of photos but they can look very samey. Here are just a few of the good ones though.
Nevada tomorrow.
I was still in the lowest gear most of the way though.
The first section after leaving the amazing 7up ranch, and Fair Play was desolate. I was travelling on a really quiet section. The open tree lined roads suddenly closed in on me and I was moving through what felt like thick forest with not a huge amount of sky visible as had previously been the norm.
It's the first time I have actually worried about becoming bear food. And worry I did. I have always struggled with paranoia and at this point I was excelling. No cars and the only noise I could hear was snapping of twigs occasionally in the trees around me. There probably wasn't a bear close all day but that didn't stop me crapping myself. Give me a honey badger in Wiltshire any day ;). I was mainly riding doing deep manly coughs a grunting and whistling to make my presence known to any predators. Must have looked like a right tool.
I (firstly) rode 46 miles uphill all the way until I reached kirkwood.
Total climb was 7,500 feet with about 2,000 ft worth of drops.
It was generally a really nice ride but halfway through I moved onto highway 88 which got busy at times but the views towards the top were great.
I planned to stay in a place called rockstar lodge in kirkwood. I had looked it up on the Internet but had no reception all day so couldn't call ahead. My phone signal literally flickered back on when I hit kirkwood. I called the number to get directions and a bloke answered the phone and said the place had shut down.
Bollocks. Is there anywhere else round here? No. Bollocks, thanks.
This was a major pain in the backside literally. My mood had been good all day but the final 5 miles had become very difficult, light was fading a little, it was also getting cold and my legs/knees were starting to really tighten up.
I was really looking forward to getting off the bike and chilling. After a bit (lot) of cursing, and telling kirkwood what a dump it was I worked out my only option was a lot more riding - to climb the final 900-1000 feet over 5 miles to Carsons pass!!!
Once at Carsons pass the 20 mile down hill stretch commenced meaning there really wasn't any more need to pedal.
I travelled 16 miles downhill continuously until I reached woodford. It was good fun but bloody freezing once you start going at speed and not pedalling.
Even on this section I noticed the landscape change a bit. It had just rained before I travelled down this last bit and the smell of the trees/plants was intense!
I finally reached the woodford inn. The owners here again are extremely friendly and helpful. Mr woodford inn insisted on driving me to the shop so I could buy some food. The shop was closed so he again insisted on driving me to the next town to see if I could get a sandwich takeaway. Again closed so he brought me back to the inn. His daughter gave me some burritos and he gave me a beer. I tried to give them money but they wouldn't take it!!
I will be wholeheartedly recommending this place to any travellers I see coming in the other direction. I have some business cards ready to give out. I asked if they treat all their customers like this and they said absolutely yes. Great business.
I have taken millions of photos but they can look very samey. Here are just a few of the good ones though.
Nevada tomorrow.
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