Longest ride for me today.
A new record.
101.81 miles in 10 hours and 22 minutes. I'm really pleased to have broken the 100 mile marker, especially today of all days.
Lots of people have asked me if I have given my bike a name. I had always said no as I hadn't thought of one yet. Today it came to me;
Vasectomy.
The day Started with the daunting task of tackling the highest pass on my journey across North America.
The Monarch Pass weighed in at 11,322ft.
The first 20 miles were a gentle climb and I kept a good pace until I reached Sergent. From here things got steep and it remained steep for 10 miles until I hit the peak and crossed the continental divide. It was a very satisfying climb and very cold once at the top. Views again magnificent.
It was a windy, blustery day so the journey down on the other side was unusually slow. I had to stay at a sensible speed because random strong gusts would try and knock me off the bike. It could have been catastrophic on a bend or with another vehicle close by.
I would stop regularly on this descent to let my brakes cool down. I poured water over them and they actually sizzled as the water evaporated when it made contact!
The downhill seemed to go on forever. Once the road levelled out the wind was pointing in the right direction giving me a bit of assistance in making good time.
My original intention was to stop in Cotopaxi on 75 miles, but when I made it to town I realised I still felt really good. I had energy, it was only3pm, legs felt good, and the wind was still going the right direction, so I decided to push on to Westcliffe and make it 100 miles!
I didn't regret this decision. The route took a turn on to a quieter road and I took the opportunity to get some music on again. The last 15 miles also turned into an area called Wet Mountain Valley which was amazing. Running to my right was what seemed to be a straight row of mountains peaks that I guess stretched 40/50 miles. The road I was riding ran parallel and between the peaks and the road were green fields that filled all the space in between. The setting was a perfect end to a long day. With the music and the wind I was actually keeping up a really strong pace for the last 15 miles. I was actually buzzing!
Once I made it to town I quickly found a motel and then headed to a local bar grill for some food and a deserved drink.
I started talking to a nice couple from Denver. Rob and Jane who were taking their Harley for a weekend away. They insisted I try one of their Rocky Mountain Oysters - a local speciality. These are in fact bulls testicles, battered and deep fried I think. Mmmmmm
I gave it a go. They weren't too bad. Not too moist in the middle. I would have preferred them a bit (or a lot) crispier.
I don't think I will try them again, but thanks anyway Rob and Jane :) nice to meet you. I'm wondering if the procedure for getting these testicles has anything to do with getting those bulls to sit on a bicycle
Good luck on your big day Sam and Toby. I will be wishing you the best and wishing I was there. X
A new record.
101.81 miles in 10 hours and 22 minutes. I'm really pleased to have broken the 100 mile marker, especially today of all days.
Lots of people have asked me if I have given my bike a name. I had always said no as I hadn't thought of one yet. Today it came to me;
Vasectomy.
The day Started with the daunting task of tackling the highest pass on my journey across North America.
The Monarch Pass weighed in at 11,322ft.
The first 20 miles were a gentle climb and I kept a good pace until I reached Sergent. From here things got steep and it remained steep for 10 miles until I hit the peak and crossed the continental divide. It was a very satisfying climb and very cold once at the top. Views again magnificent.
It was a windy, blustery day so the journey down on the other side was unusually slow. I had to stay at a sensible speed because random strong gusts would try and knock me off the bike. It could have been catastrophic on a bend or with another vehicle close by.
I would stop regularly on this descent to let my brakes cool down. I poured water over them and they actually sizzled as the water evaporated when it made contact!
The downhill seemed to go on forever. Once the road levelled out the wind was pointing in the right direction giving me a bit of assistance in making good time.
My original intention was to stop in Cotopaxi on 75 miles, but when I made it to town I realised I still felt really good. I had energy, it was only3pm, legs felt good, and the wind was still going the right direction, so I decided to push on to Westcliffe and make it 100 miles!
I didn't regret this decision. The route took a turn on to a quieter road and I took the opportunity to get some music on again. The last 15 miles also turned into an area called Wet Mountain Valley which was amazing. Running to my right was what seemed to be a straight row of mountains peaks that I guess stretched 40/50 miles. The road I was riding ran parallel and between the peaks and the road were green fields that filled all the space in between. The setting was a perfect end to a long day. With the music and the wind I was actually keeping up a really strong pace for the last 15 miles. I was actually buzzing!
Once I made it to town I quickly found a motel and then headed to a local bar grill for some food and a deserved drink.
I started talking to a nice couple from Denver. Rob and Jane who were taking their Harley for a weekend away. They insisted I try one of their Rocky Mountain Oysters - a local speciality. These are in fact bulls testicles, battered and deep fried I think. Mmmmmm
I gave it a go. They weren't too bad. Not too moist in the middle. I would have preferred them a bit (or a lot) crispier.
I don't think I will try them again, but thanks anyway Rob and Jane :) nice to meet you. I'm wondering if the procedure for getting these testicles has anything to do with getting those bulls to sit on a bicycle
Good luck on your big day Sam and Toby. I will be wishing you the best and wishing I was there. X
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