Day 8: Winnemucca to Battle Mountain

Time Zone : Pacific (GMT -8)
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

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.

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.

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.

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.