Elko, Nv. Day 9

Hi from Elko, Nv., Day 9
Another beautiful day – low humidity and comfortable temps. We began riding about 7 this morning with an overcast sky and rode again with more glorious mountains on both sides of us – many people were chatting and enjoying the first 22 miles on a somewhat rough road surface, but not really a problem.

At one point we saw this railroad track that probably went on for 15 miles – we saw a train, but it was taking way too long to get there and we continued on! I have also shown you a picture of some of the rumble strips that have ridden on. These are shallow and not too bad to go over, but occur about every 30 feet. Sometimes there are bigger ones to the right of the white line and sometimes there are both kinds together which is very interesting to cross.

At mile 22 we hopped on I-80 again and had our first rest stop – along with the fruit, cookies, crackers etc. was our mascot – the gnome!! He has made it on many trips apparently and watches over all of us. We began a 10-12 mile climb that was just beautiful – the mountains just look so majestic and it took me 1 ½ hours to climb but was not difficult, just long.
At the top we began a 10 mile descent into Burger King and Subway. After lunch we rode through Carlin Canyon on an access road. This allowed us to avoid the tunnel through the mountain and was the highlight of the day. The four mile ride along the river with the mountains on both sides was overwhelming. At the end of the road, we climbed over a small barrier and headed back out on RI-80.

After 11 more miles we exited and headed into Elko (wonder where the town name came from) and were delighted to find a bike shop where we could replenish anything that we were low on. Right before the hotel was the first of many Dairy Queens to come, but I didn’t stop. Into the hotel about 3:30 and took a short sit in the hot tub and one lap in pool and then time to get ready for dinner.
There are casinos everywhere here, but I heard that the machines aren’t the old pull down the handle and match 3 type. I was too tired and had too much to do to even think about looking at them. Now in room and hoping to get to bed early tonight.
I did have a small “hiccup” today and was on the verge of bonking at top of the climb – I was having so much fun and was so caught up in the scenery that I forgot to eat. About 1 ½ miles from top I did eat two bars, but it wasn’t soon enough. Very nauseous at the top – was very disappointed in myself because I wasn’t at all anxious about this descent, but rode down in van with a huge white trash bag by my side. I made it to Subway and had a sandwich and then felt much better. I was able to do the rest of the day very well. There’s always a lot to think about and eating and drinking are very important and your body can let you down if you aren’t careful.
The next two days are very long and I am not sure I will be in touch – 104 miles tomorrow and 117 on Wed. and then our first rest stop in Salt Lake City and the completion of the first leg of this Challenge. I can’t believe how far we have gone!
Today’s hurrah goes to my friend, Diana, who accepted my Enrichment Grant to be used on this trip from DKG at the convention this weekend! Thanks for all of your kind words and help with the application!!
Thank God for the safety, health, and energy!