I learned early this morning, before we even got started, that the first part of the route would be taking us through the 'wind farms'. --- Wind farms??????? Like the ones you see on your way out to Palm Springs?--- no thanks!!!!
I decided to give my knees a break and do a 'bump up' of 25 miles (I took a ride out in the van and did only the last 50 of the 77 miles in today's route).
Thank god I did...because the 50 miles I did ride today completely wiped me out... Tomorrow's ride is 86 miles and about 90+ the following day.
By the end of the day today, about 1/2 the riders were jumping in the van for a lift...the wind was so strong and is so draining!
Anyhow...the terrain was very much like yesterday-- flat, lots and lots of corn and bean farms. I think I've seen a 1000 barns and silos...but I never tire of them. I've seen more green and more vegetation in the last 2 weeks than I've seen in the last 10 years.
But about those head winds.....you have to settle in, drop down in the drop handle bars and stay relaxed. You've really got to control your mind because when you're out in what feels like 'no mans land ' ....and all you see is miles and miles ahead of you...when you have the wind howling in your ears...when your legs are burning with muscle fatigue... And your crotch is screaming for relief -- You can't be wishing it was 'over' or that you were 'done'. If you do...you'll be miserable. I found, the best way for me is to just be 'present' - feel the challenge, make peace with the discomfort...."accept what is" ...and know that it will end and that tailwinds will come (eventually). As 'corny' as this may sound....I'm getting some important reminders about life.
That said...I've treasured every mile of this journey...on so many levels.
We've done just over 800 miles and have approx. 1500 to go! I wouldn't change a thing (that's a lie...I'd like to be in my head in tail winds).
A few photos of the day...
In the middle of endless corn fields...we came across a small golf course (do farmers golf??)
This is what I'm looking at for miles and miles.....
This the what I'm looking at AFTER the miles and miles....
Smart Girl... Your poor little knees! The ice looks painful enough.
ReplyDeleteYou're a better person than I... I would have been done and over...about 799 miles ago.
Love the "Crooked Knee" pic! I hope tomorrow is a better day for your crooked knees--Cant wait to remind you "Accept what is" when you get home :) goodnite.
ReplyDeleteGreat pix. So funny. Turn around now and you'll be home in about 2 days - all that wind - yuck!
ReplyDeleteI remember how exciting all those cornfields were at 60 mph in the back seat of our la bamba-mobil - yawn. Bet it's really exciting at 4 mph. Now we know why bread and other corn/wheat based products are so expensive - Green Fees.
When I am in a head wind on a bike, I often feel like I could actually walk faster. Smart move to take the van on the first half of the ride today. Is there a limo you can take on the last half?
love that!!!!So funny. Poor knee's.
ReplyDeleteLove you, mean it,
Jennice
Hi Jennette , Your writing and photography skills are impressive. I forgot how brilliant you are. NOt to mention couragous. Can you use dry ice on your knees. lol
ReplyDeletelove chris