Todays Distance: 74 miles
Cycling time: 6 hrs 06 mins
Average Speed: 12.1 mp
Today’s cumulative ascent: 2517 feet
Average Heart rate: 100 bpm
Distance so far: 620 mile
Ascent so far: 27,270 feet.
Ascent so far: 27,270 feet.
Today's Profile:
Today's Route:
Dedication: Today is for those students of mine both JC and LC who face into a tough day of Maths and Gaeilge. Keep the head down and stick at it to the end. Go n-eiri go geal libh.A relatively calm morning with a bright sun but still a need for a windbreaker as we set off at 7.15 on the next leg of this oddyssey across the States. I had got a good night's sleep in spite of the railroad directly outside my window. A couple of trains passed during the night but the disruption was minimal. The various groups departed at their own pace and today our group is riding for Trinity... just the three internationals. The sun was still pretty low in the sky and casting shadows. To put ourselves in the mood Steve led us in song for a mile or so 'Rockin', rollin, ridin' all along the way; All bound for Elko town 74 miles away' with apologies to Peter, Paul and Mary.
Winnemucca was just coming to life as we made our way onto Mule Shoe Road which runs alonside the I-80. This is open range with animal access controlled with cattle-grids at possible exit points. There are'nt many cattle to be seen, only groups of 5 or 6 occasionally. We stayed on Mule Shoe Road for 22 miles with the landscape on either side much the same as yesterday - Mountain range to our right and some green patches on our left near the Humboldt River. Our route today continues to proceed up the Humboldt basin except for a part where we followed I-80 over Emigrant Pass ... that name tells a story. To our left during the first 22 miles there was evidence of mining - mining for gold, silver and copper and a power plant far off in the distance. 
As we moved along more or less staying at 12 mph we noticed more wildlife than on previous days especially birds. Commonly enough we spotted hawks of one type or another in pursuit of smaller birds and also large crows. All along because of the lack of wind, possibly, birdsong was to be heard among the sage-bushes. 
At the 22 mile mark we passed under I-80 to pick up the East lane and the small tunnell was heavily populated with swallows who evidently appreciate our interference - shades of Hitchcock and BIRDS. Still haven't seen much of four-footed wildlife. 
Later in the cycle as we came out of Carlin Canyon there on a hot rock was a lizard sunning himself and didn't mind us passing within a few feet.
Winnemucca was just coming to life as we made our way onto Mule Shoe Road which runs alonside the I-80. This is open range with animal access controlled with cattle-grids at possible exit points. There are'nt many cattle to be seen, only groups of 5 or 6 occasionally. We stayed on Mule Shoe Road for 22 miles with the landscape on either side much the same as yesterday - Mountain range to our right and some green patches on our left near the Humboldt River. Our route today continues to proceed up the Humboldt basin except for a part where we followed I-80 over Emigrant Pass ... that name tells a story. To our left during the first 22 miles there was evidence of mining - mining for gold, silver and copper and a power plant far off in the distance. As we moved along more or less staying at 12 mph we noticed more wildlife than on previous days especially birds. Commonly enough we spotted hawks of one type or another in pursuit of smaller birds and also large crows. All along because of the lack of wind, possibly, birdsong was to be heard among the sage-bushes. At the 22 mile mark we passed under I-80 to pick up the East lane and the small tunnell was heavily populated with swallows who evidently appreciate our interference - shades of Hitchcock and BIRDS. Still haven't seen much of four-footed wildlife. Later in the cycle as we came out of Carlin Canyon there on a hot rock was a lizard sunning himself and didn't mind us passing within a few feet. We had a wind in our faces for a period as we rounded Shoshone Point cycling along I-80 at this stage. Shoshone Point marks the boundary between the Paiute and the Shoshone Indian Territories. We crossed the Humboldt River and had our eyes peeled for the geysers that occur along the valley of Beowawe on our right but to no immediate avail. These uncontrolled wells are continuously discharging steam to a height of 100 feet and temperatures below ground have been reccorded as high as 400 degrees fahrenheit. Wells have been drilled in an attempt to harness the energy. However later on as we climbed to Emigrant Pass we spotted the activity way out to the right.
At 26 miles we had the first SAG stop in Beowawe Rest Area and by this stage the heat was rising and the windbreaker was off for me. Others still had the 'thermals' on. From mile 24 to mile 38 we had the climb up to Emigrant Pass.....yes, 14 miles of a climb but it was only at 3% at its severest. Head down, get into the groove, pedal on and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And don't be fooled by the turn just up ahead. Too true.
Guess what lay beyond the turn at the top of the photo? Yes, another rise.
At the summit of Emigrant Pass (6089 feet) another photo op for our group to celebrate a job well done.
A nice long descent was the reward and the terrain changed somewhat. We were no longer in the Humboldt River valley and the hills were much closer to us.
A change from the vast expanses we had been accustomed to over the last three days. Along the fenced-in land adjacent to the Interstate the highway authorities had clumps of rough grasses planted to regenerate the ground. 
But you could see where the sage-bushes were reclaiming their rightful territory.The traffic along the I-80 wasn't too heavy and it flowed along swiftly. Large campers (RV's) sped along with the family car hitched on behind; truck units not with one large trailer but with three. 
Earlier in the morning just after leaving Battle Mountain I spotted a long train with a double row of containers in tow.
Earlier in the morning just after leaving Battle Mountain I spotted a long train with a double row of containers in tow.The second SAG was at mile 49 just as we came off the I-80 and then we lcontinued on the old Route 40 that went through Carlin Canyon. (The Interstate went through a tunnel with no hard shoulder) But the detour was well worthwhile.
It was beautiful with steep sides and the Humboldt running strongly against us. This was the original Emigrant Trail and the route of the first railway in 1868 till it also was put through a tunnel in 1903. Back on the I-80 and we had a fresh tailwind for the rest of as we the day coasted down that part known as Dwight D Eisenhower Highway right into Elko.
It was beautiful with steep sides and the Humboldt running strongly against us. This was the original Emigrant Trail and the route of the first railway in 1868 till it also was put through a tunnel in 1903. Back on the I-80 and we had a fresh tailwind for the rest of as we the day coasted down that part known as Dwight D Eisenhower Highway right into Elko.We left I-80 at Exit 298 - exits are not numbered in sequence as we are accustomed to, but according to the mileage marker. Exit 298 is at mile-marker 298 (from Reno). The next one 10 miles further on will be Exit 308. Makes sense. At one stage today I spotted the sign 'Services 1 mile. Next services 114 miles'. Wouldn't want to miss your turn off !
We approached Elko on Business Route 80 alongside the local airport and reached our motel at the far end of town at 2 pm still feeling fresh and very satisfied with ourselves but keen on having a much needed and relaxing shower.For the last number of days there has always been snow-capped peaks visible and there will be for a number of days yet. Nevada (which means 'snow-capped' in Spanish) is the most mountainous state in the USA with 314 individual ranges.
The full party (44 cyclists at this point) is still going strong and looking forward to what is to come. Tomorrow is a long day and a good preparation for a long day is a long night's sleep here in the High Desert Inn. Dinner tonight again was in a casino.
Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.
Heard Today at a stop from one who was having difficulty on the climbs " My average speed keeps going up when I stop. That's weird"
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
