This was a long and brutal day. Loaded our bikes at 6 am and headed to the ferry. The van had to make two trips in order to carry all the people, luggage and bikes so lots of sitting around and waiting.
Here are some of us waiting to get on the ferry.
This chain was huge. There was one on each side that raised and lowered the ramp. Quite impressive.
Once off the ferry, we had 65 km to ride to our hotel. One of the riders decided we should take a different route other than the main road. I knew it was not a good idea but my vote didn’t count. Actually, there was no vote. So it was longer, steeper and so hot, we were all suffering. Only three riders made it in. Michael and I rode 30 miles and it was the hardest 30 miles I think I have ever ridden.
Lots of 12% and 15% hills and I don’t mean short ones. I had to walk one which really irked me but it was long and steep and I was out of umph.
Check this baby out. That 15% downhill on the other side was over a half mile long. I don’t like long hills and when they are that steep, it can be scary.
Once Michael and I reached the one and only town before our destination, we decided we had to have food and we were spent so we got a pizza and called the van. They picked us up and was that ever a relief. I am really tired tonite. Didn’t get in til after 8 as it was. The last riders who got picked up didn’t get in til after 9. One of the problems was the remoteness of the area and no phone service. You had to be in just the right spot to call or send a text. A tough day.
The second hill we climbed today soon after leaving the ferry was 1.8 miles of constant up. And I’m not talking 5-6% grade. We went to the top of a ski area. I tho’t for sure we’d have some ‘flat’ up on top, but, no, more hills. We should have been able to touch the moon. It was pretty for a very short time with the farms and fields.
So we all survived but hope we don’t see another day like this one.
30.0 miles today, brutal miles. 2925.4 total
BikerAl Across America 2018 