Time Zone : Pacific(GMT -8)
Todays Distance: 107 miles (1st Century)
Cycling time: 6hrs 59 mins
Average Speed: 15.3 mph
Todays Distance: 107 miles (1st Century)
Cycling time: 6hrs 59 mins
Average Speed: 15.3 mph
Today’s cumulative ascent: 3828 ft
Average Heart rate: 97 bpm
Distance so far: 726 miles
Ascent so far: 31,098 ft. (Everest is 29,035 feet)
Dedication: Today is for my LC Gaeilge students in the Abbey who sit the second paper today. This special century day is to wish you all the best.
Today is the first century (a cycle in excess of 100 miles) of this adventure and is a landmark for any cyclist. I have many of them under my belt but still each one is special and cherished. There will be 9 of them on this trip. About 3 of the group were facing into their first century.
Thus, an early start was called for and breakfast was served in the Red Lion Casino at 5 a.m. and loading immediately afterwards outside the hotel. 
The early morning sky was threatening with heavy black clouds. Everyone placed rain-gear in the Drop Box that could be collected at SAG if required. Better to sure than sorry. We were told that a front was moving in from the north that would influence the weather for the day.
A slight wind was blowing at this stage and it strengthened as the day went on… and in our favour too.
Dedication: Today is for my LC Gaeilge students in the Abbey who sit the second paper today. This special century day is to wish you all the best.
Today is the first century (a cycle in excess of 100 miles) of this adventure and is a landmark for any cyclist. I have many of them under my belt but still each one is special and cherished. There will be 9 of them on this trip. About 3 of the group were facing into their first century.
Thus, an early start was called for and breakfast was served in the Red Lion Casino at 5 a.m. and loading immediately afterwards outside the hotel. The early morning sky was threatening with heavy black clouds. Everyone placed rain-gear in the Drop Box that could be collected at SAG if required. Better to sure than sorry. We were told that a front was moving in from the north that would influence the weather for the day. A slight wind was blowing at this stage and it strengthened as the day went on… and in our favour too.
Behind those clouds was brilliant sunshine and blue skies. Sometimes we were in the cool shadow and then we had the benefit of the sunshine for periods. Temperature was around 15 degrees for the early morning but there was a need for the wind-breaker. I removed it for 2 short periods during the cycle.
Again the Three Musketeers set off as a team and we had our strategy worked out for the century. Regular breaks (every 20 miles), a steady pace of 14 mph on the flat and Suresh and myself taking turns at the front. This was a gentleman’s paceline – no staring at the wheel in front at the expense of the scenery. We kept to the strategy closely enough and adapted it to the atmospheric circumstances. During the day we picked up one or two others who bought into our philosophy.Navigation was straightforward enough - 7 miles on Business-80 East, then on to the I-80 for 100 miles and come off in Wendover beside the motel….. not rocket science.
We were still moving up towards the source of the Humboldt River and I noticed a change in the vegetation … more and more rough grass growing among the sage-bush. A number of green fields reclaimed from the desert appeared and at one stage marsh-land and standing water was to be seen. We were near to the source. 
A farm of land surrounded by desert on our right was being heavily irrigated with mobile booms moving across the various fieldsAll along the highway we noted the signposts with the distance to Wendover first appearing over 100 but steadily dropping.
At one stage we spotted a sign for Beverly Hills. Had we taken a serious wrong turn somewhere?First SAG was after 40 miles at a rest area on a summit by the Star Valley Exit. Everything was progressing favourably and the tail-wind picking up.
From the summit we dropped and got a glimpse of the long road ahead stretching for miles in the shape of a sickle. Here on the higher ground there were stunted pine trees growing and I surmised that we were moving into semi-desert. I was being a bit previous as the desert landscape returned with a vengeance. The stretch of road ahead measured 8 miles (I checked) to the turn. At least we had free-fall down from Star Valley for miles before the flat part but the wind scooped us along.
Then a 6-mile climb through a canyon with the pine trees again appearing on the higher ground. For part of this I cycled standing out of the saddle to give the butt a break on the steeper bits. 
SAG was at the top (70 miles) at Pequop Summit (Elev 6967 feet ...a little higher than Shillong). From the SAG we were in to construction and were directed to descend on the cordoned-off fast lane for a few miles. The descent lasted for ages and even on the flat we careered along at 24 mph on the big ring with little or no effort. John and Amy had joined us at Pequop and even while moving merrily along tried to take in the magnitude of our surroundings, now back to the ubiquitous sage-bush.photo expanse John and I wondered at the vast expanse on either side (and he has travelled and cycled extensively around the States). What or who was out there ? See Heard Today. I thought I had a pretty clear concept of ‘a large tract of land’ and ‘big’ and ‘extensive’ but this has left me baffled and redefining my terms of reference.
Then a 6-mile climb through a canyon with the pine trees again appearing on the higher ground. For part of this I cycled standing out of the saddle to give the butt a break on the steeper bits. SAG was at the top (70 miles) at Pequop Summit (Elev 6967 feet ...a little higher than Shillong). From the SAG we were in to construction and were directed to descend on the cordoned-off fast lane for a few miles. The descent lasted for ages and even on the flat we careered along at 24 mph on the big ring with little or no effort. John and Amy had joined us at Pequop and even while moving merrily along tried to take in the magnitude of our surroundings, now back to the ubiquitous sage-bush.photo expanse John and I wondered at the vast expanse on either side (and he has travelled and cycled extensively around the States). What or who was out there ? See Heard Today. I thought I had a pretty clear concept of ‘a large tract of land’ and ‘big’ and ‘extensive’ but this has left me baffled and redefining my terms of reference.And for four days now we have been looking at these stretches of desert extending to the horizon and probably beyond. Amazing and incredible. For this last section of the century (37 miles) it was all wind-assisted and/or downhill. No effort was needed except for steering clear of the occasional bits of debris on the shoulder. One piece of blowing tumbleweed attacked my rear-wheel but came off second-best. At this stage we tracked along in the mid-20’s mph and made the odd stop for a few photos. 
It was easy for the others (who had been taking photos)to catch up with me …..just a few turns of the pedals and wheeeeeee.
There were whoops from each of us as the cyclocomputers showed the 100 miles appearing in the distance window. Just before Wendover there was a slight hill we had to crest (like the hill up by the graveyard in Tipperary). I wanted to test the strength of the wind so I stopped pedalling and let the forces of nature take over. The wind kept me going up at 12 mph (20 kph).photo salt
Coming over the crest of that hill just short of Wendover was something else. It stopped me in my tracks in spite of the wind. The vast white Salt Lake desert lay before me in all its splendour…. As far as the eye could see. (We’ll see a lot of it tomorrow). When the others came over the crest the effect was the same. Stunned. Flabbergasted.
We went for the cameras immediately and attempted to stand somehow steady for the click. We just had to remain there for a while. 
And in the distance the parallel lines of I-80 and railway going across the salt flats. Wow.
Finally when we tore ourselves away from the spectacle there was just a mile or so to the motel.,.. but what a mile. The strong wind was swirling around and coming at us from the left. It got so viscious that we had to dismount after being almost thrown into the margin. Scary. One rider in an earlier group had been knocked over and received 13 stitches in her chin.
Our motel tonight is a casino again (Wendover is the last town in Nevada before Utah) and inside it’s like a wonderland maze with bright flashy lights and mirrors. Easier to navigate on the road
At this stage we are in Mountain Time Zone and we have lost an hour. Not having put my watch on, I missed Route Rap this evening at 6pm (5pm Nevada Time). Luckily I spotted my mistake before dinner in the rainforest Buffet in the casino.
Another great day of cycling but then of course, everything was in our favour. To morrow is another century, in another state and a new time-zone. No wonder I looking to getting up in the morning already.
Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.
It was easy for the others (who had been taking photos)to catch up with me …..just a few turns of the pedals and wheeeeeee.There were whoops from each of us as the cyclocomputers showed the 100 miles appearing in the distance window. Just before Wendover there was a slight hill we had to crest (like the hill up by the graveyard in Tipperary). I wanted to test the strength of the wind so I stopped pedalling and let the forces of nature take over. The wind kept me going up at 12 mph (20 kph).photo salt
Coming over the crest of that hill just short of Wendover was something else. It stopped me in my tracks in spite of the wind. The vast white Salt Lake desert lay before me in all its splendour…. As far as the eye could see. (We’ll see a lot of it tomorrow). When the others came over the crest the effect was the same. Stunned. Flabbergasted.
We went for the cameras immediately and attempted to stand somehow steady for the click. We just had to remain there for a while. And in the distance the parallel lines of I-80 and railway going across the salt flats. Wow.Finally when we tore ourselves away from the spectacle there was just a mile or so to the motel.,.. but what a mile. The strong wind was swirling around and coming at us from the left. It got so viscious that we had to dismount after being almost thrown into the margin. Scary. One rider in an earlier group had been knocked over and received 13 stitches in her chin.
Our motel tonight is a casino again (Wendover is the last town in Nevada before Utah) and inside it’s like a wonderland maze with bright flashy lights and mirrors. Easier to navigate on the roadAt this stage we are in Mountain Time Zone and we have lost an hour. Not having put my watch on, I missed Route Rap this evening at 6pm (5pm Nevada Time). Luckily I spotted my mistake before dinner in the rainforest Buffet in the casino.
Another great day of cycling but then of course, everything was in our favour. To morrow is another century, in another state and a new time-zone. No wonder I looking to getting up in the morning already.
Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.
Heard Today: “ Life on Mars ? That's not the question. Question is 'Is there life out there?'
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. 
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.
Earlier in the morning just after leaving Battle Mountain I spotted a long train with a double row of containers in tow.
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 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.
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.
