Riding day 5
Truckee, CA to Sparks, NV
67.3 miles
4131' of climbing
5 hours 38 minutes
2124 Calories
11.9 mph average speed
39.1 mph maximum
A little bit about our group. the 20 now on tour are some of the best riders I've ever been with on any tour. All seasoned cyclists with mad skills. Expecting my time on this tour to be one of the better riders, I'm served a decent helping of humble pie each day. But, that's OK. I'm taking time for pictures, and just enjoying the spectacularly great weather.
One gent just took up cycling in April of this year and is keeping up with the big boys and girls. He's a Scot living now in London. Great wit and good dinner company. Don't know how he does it, but he's certainly taken to it. One gal is just doing the first leg to Salt Lake City as a training exercise to prepare for her competitive Mountain Biking calendar. A couple from Arizona transplanted from Green Bay are a strong riding couple still with their Wisconsin accent intact.
The group is fairly self sufficient. The only letdown for me is the tour operators seem so well versed in running this ride that some things are done on the fly. No problems, but I wish they coordinated with hotels to have bike cleaning stations set up (so far none). We're left to ask for rags at front desk and clean bikes in our rooms. Doable, for sure but, it would be nice to hose dust and grime off in the sunshine outside.
After second big day of climbing, I'll end with some shots along the way. I'm wicked sore and tired but each morning is a new challenge. tomorrow we ride 90+ miles longest day so far but its really flat and predictions are for tailwinds! Should be great.
Olympic Park (1964) Squaw Valley
The gang taking turns getting good pics
Mountains and Lake Tahoe
St. Pete John
Toe warmers, long pants, seal brand gloves with liners,
base layer, jersey, jacket, baklava, and ear muffs
In front of Lake Tahoe.
Forgot to tell John to get the mountains and lake in the shot
Boat and mountains
Climbing up and leaving Tahoe far behind
Another 2 miles to go before we hit the summit
After that climb this may be candidate for next bike
Time to ditch vest and arm warmers. Long hard climb.
Still more down...
Winding roads just keeps dropping. Controlling speed's an issue
Looking back up from 2 miles down...14 more to go
Looking back towards Mt Rose from Sparks, NV
Tomorrow's breakfast at Denny's...
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