Todays Distance: 55 miles
Cycling time: 4 hrs 34 mins
Average Speed: 12.0 mph
Today’s cumulative ascent: 1568 ft
Average Heart rate: 90 bpm
Distance so far: 546 miles
Ascent so far: 24,753 ft
Ascent so far: 24,753 ft
Today's Profile:
Today's Route.
#Battle Mountain marked as 304.
Dedication: Today is for all the students in Providence including those the Abbey students have not met yet. And for Labiang, Selina, Queenmary, Bantei and Wanhok, may ye achieve the potential that ye have. I'll keep pedalling hard for ye.
All loaded up at 7.45 (we had a lie-in this morning) and the various groups hit the road passing down quiet Bridge Street with little or no traffic, just a few revellers returning from Saturday night.
It was sunny but cold for the locals and a slight wind blowing - not near as strong as yesterday morning. I did wear the wind breaker for the first 15 miles till the temperatures came to almost 20 degrees. At the eastern end of Winnemucca we joined the I-80 and remained on it for most of the day. Our route continued up the valley/plainof the Humboldt River. The road ahead kept moving in a straight line but generally turned to the right (south-east) and that put the wind a little more to our rear. The landscape again was bleak and desolate as it had been for the last two days but I couldn't say that today was boring. Far from it. The surface of the I-80 was lovely to cycle on with a shoulder of 12 feet and no rumble strips till the last few miles. Distance today was just over 50 miles - hardly worth getting out of bed for!-with just one SAG stop and a slight rise in elevation (+200 feet)between Winnemucca and Battle Mountain (Elev 4507 feet)As we skirted around the Sonoma range we had the wild desert on both sides with our left side showing patches of hard green nearer the Humboldt River. Some few cattle were to be seen among the sage-bush and again dwellings literally in 'the middle of nowhere' (left of picture). 
Our little group noted how little wildlife was visible -we spotted a few birds and not any sighting of 4-legged creatures. Apparently we passed close to a nest of large bird with a crooked beak. It created quite a fuss till we had passed out of range.
Our little group noted how little wildlife was visible -we spotted a few birds and not any sighting of 4-legged creatures. Apparently we passed close to a nest of large bird with a crooked beak. It created quite a fuss till we had passed out of range.
We had one climb of note today up to Golconda Summit (5159 ft elev) that lasted for 3.8 miles at 3%. We are a little more hardened now and it presented no problems to us. However we came on one large 'powerful' truck that had to rest for repairs half way up. We didn't - Dick Walsh doesn't do rests. The summit was captured in due course and provided a nice Kodak moment.
The climbing is getting easier; the average heart-rate is continuing to fall and this activity at altitude is improving the fitness level ( Might line out for Golden in the West when I go back or even Kilfeacle RFC, but only if they make me captain !) The rest of the day would be effortless. At the summit of Golconda we had the SAG stop and it was welcome in order to take on more water and snacks and to sign in.One item I found set me thinking...was this a cyclist riding across USA who happened to mis-read the cue sheet (or attempt to take a short-cut) and take a wrong turn? Hang in there with the others, man. 
Our little travelling group posed for the papparazi at the stop. Much the same group as yesterday. (You should recognise them by now) 
On day 2 we were the International Team: yesterday the magnificent seven were the Touring Team taking in all the scenery; now we are the Green Bottle Team -started with 7 yesterday, with 5 today, after SAG we had dwindled to 4 and then there were 3. We(Steve, Saresh and self)are the hard core and those who left (going ahead or falling back) will have to apply to be readmitted and face interview and sanctions.But the best aspect of the SAG was that it gave me an opportunity to ring on the mobile to get the result of the match ... what a great piece of news. Other cyclists almost ran for cover on hearing my reaction (See below). Only Wayne from Wales had a clue of what the victory meant. An explanation of the intricies and beauty of hurling had to be given to our less fortunate brethern.
Indeed as we entered Battle Mountain later I was thrilled to see that Battle Mountain Inn had the Tipp flag out to celebrate. Strange how good news spreads fast.
Indeed as we entered Battle Mountain later I was thrilled to see that Battle Mountain Inn had the Tipp flag out to celebrate. Strange how good news spreads fast.From Golconda we had a beautiful 5.6 mile descent to the floor of the desert but screeched to a halt with the view. 
Near the bottom we had an incredible sight with the Interstate stretching far into the distance ahead. I checked the distance to the turn at the end and it was 8 miles from where we stood. I only hoped that the camera would capture the spectacle. Around that bend there was another equally long stretch.
Near the bottom we had an incredible sight with the Interstate stretching far into the distance ahead. I checked the distance to the turn at the end and it was 8 miles from where we stood. I only hoped that the camera would capture the spectacle. Around that bend there was another equally long stretch.
Down on the flat there was a substantial change in the surface of the ground among the sage-bushes - it looked like soft sand but it was hard packed cracked mud. It stretched in all directions for the next few miles. In spite of the sameness there is so much variety to behold and admire at every turn of the pedals.
We took an unscheduled bun-break at Exit 216 (Valmy) as we were running well ahead of schedule. I enjoyed a coffee and a bite of fruit. Others were most unkind with the camera and caught me in contemplation on the more serious aspects of life. (Richard - you'll appreciate this)
The breeze had died away and we tipped along sometimes at 15 mph with very little traffic on the road. We felt no pressure ... pressure is only for tyres ( Sound advice I got ...thanks Charles and don't forget to water the tomatoes). 
The rumble strips returned for a few miles but couldn't dampen our spirits. I haven't felt as comfortable on a bike for a long time (touch wood that it stays so) and when we finally rode up Main street, Battle Mountain towards the motel arriving at 1.15, I'd say I was as happy as Conor O'Brien coming off the pitch in Pairc Ui Chaoimh this afternoon.
I have been on the road one week and I have enjoyed it immensely in spite of the distances and the tough climbs (especially up Mount Rose and Norton Grade Road). I don't say 'Thank God its over'; I'd love to go over it again if only there was a little video camera in my head. I'm not wishing this cycle away. Every day gone is one less to enjoy and savor.Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.
NB 1: Apologies for omitting Heard Today from yesterday.
NB 2:Keep the bike names coming in.
Heard Yesterday: Seeking advice from Alan (England) on how to deal with the windy conditions. " Get on your bike, facing forward - very important - get in behind a big bloke and pedal like mad"
Heard Today:(and still echoing around the desert of Nevada) " Yipee, Cork bet, now let's save the hay."
Reply to Comments:
Andrew: Enjoying the desert. Thanks for all the advice. No Derek.
Ted: Looking forward to getting to Providence RI but not wishing the days away.
Eddie: Barley not exactly thriving in Nevada. Still looking out for familiar names eg Head Weir and Daykey Dock.
Bruce: I'm sure glad that Lake Tahoe is filled up as far as it is. I wouldn't like to have started the climb from a lower level.
Deirdre : Great idea for a honeymoon. Only need 52 days off.
Andy: Like the profiles and routes?...thanks to you.
Cormac (Melbourne) Any good road going across Australia ?
JOD : Do you mean check for progress or cheque for progress?
Patsy: Newton's 32nd law 'There's no road that hasn't got a bend' Easily known that he never cycled through Nevada
Antoinette: 'Don't push too hard' I'm not pushing the bike; I'm cycling it.
Trees, cultivation and irrigation was eviden around us. The emigrants camped here at the lush meadows at the head of the Humboldt River to recoup and to feed their stock before embarking on the gruelling trek across the Forty Mile Desert. We cycled along tree lined roads and Lovelock has an 80 acre industrial park serving the industries of the area - mining, ranching and farming. This is the heart of cowboy country where the western spirit still thrives with rodeo clubs for the rough/tough stuff and also horse control through intricate courses at breakneck speed. Just before we left the oasis I spotted Irish-American Road. I whipped out the camera quick as a flash but was beaten to it by the sun directly into the lens and my speed. But believe me, it is there. Some of these early pioneers must have been Irish fresh from arrival on the coffin ships. 
Seven of us set out together today and maintained rank for the duration - Steve (Aus), Garry (ILL), Amy and John (Buffalo), Lance Armstrong the Second, Jeff (NZ) and Suresh (Trinidad),.......... the magnificent seven. Today demanded teamwork as we faced into a headwind all day except for a short period on I-80 near the end of the cycle. We all took turns at the front taking the wind and protecting those especially that were finding it tough... not a racing paceline. The notherly wind was strong and at times we were down to 8mph along the flat. temperatures started at 15 degrees but the wind made it feel colder and the wind-breakers were on virtually all day.My eyes started running early on and I thought that I was in for a day of discomfort but they eased after a while to my delight. Perhaps it was just the cold wind early on. In the early afternoon temperatures climbed up to the low 20's, dry with sunshine but a certain wind-chill.
Also the bushes that survive all over the desert is the sage bush that we all like with our lamb. This must be the largest herb garden in the world. For the early hours of the ride we had the Humboldt Range of mountains on our right with rough rugged peaks of over 9000 feet. Those mountains are rich in minerals an sometimes there were open-cast mines visible. 
Occasionaly there were remote homesteads (very remote) and we all wondered why on earth they had selected to settle where they did. The only trees visible were those planted around these houses. Nothing but bleak solitude as far as the eye could see.
Long trains again passed along well to our left and I believe some can have over 100 carriages. I counted one today with 81 and another cempty coal train passed just before we entered Winnemucca and all agreed it was almost a mile long. 
Winnemucca is celebrating a Basque Festival today. Large numbers of Basques from north Spain and south France settled here in the early pioneering days and have kept their customs. On the approach into town there were many business dealing with well-drilling, pumps and irrigation. 
And there was evidence that the high cost of fuel is not a new phenomenon here. They have been down that road already.
Todays navigation was a simple affair - get onto I-80, stay on it for 75 miles and then take the exit for Lovelock and you can't miss the hotel. There are so few roads around that the Interstate is the only way to get across Nevada. Within 5 miles we were slipping out into the desert and it would stay with us for the rest of the day. At first we had the Truckee River next to us on the right hand side and the railway. 
Rolling hills of 1000 feet or so with no vegetation but harsh scrub later changed into more rugged ones. The hard shoulder was safe enough but the rumble strips grooved into the surface was a little uncomfortable. Not as much debris (bits of tyres, timber etc ) as we had last Monday. We settled into a rhythm ( Steve from Australia, Suresh from Trinidad and self) and I kept an eye on proceedings in my rear-view mirror. 
It was enormous and we were only experiencing a narrow strip of it. It spread as far as the eye could see in all directions for the duration of the cycle. All of Nevada is desert except Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City and a few small towns like Lovelock etc. We couldn't have stayed anywhere else before Lovelock. At times one couldn't but notice the few signposts around. Some familiar ones and again that number 32 kept cropping up. 
At one stage I counted the carriages on a Union Pacific train that was passing us... 64 in all and only one engine at the front. I found all of the scenery spectacular. Even those Americans who are in on the adventure aspect of this cycle were amazed at the expanse and expressing how fortunate we are to be here. There were vast flats of sand on both sides with clumps of tumbleweed which must have extremely deep roots. On occasions we could see small twisters (si-ghaoth) spiralling sand up into the warm sky. 
At one stage I spotted a sign referring to three of our next four overnight stops. It shows how few towns are along this road.
The sand was hard and firm and when I suggested that we take a short-cut and cut the others off at the pass, I got no takers. No confidence in my brilliant navigation skills !
