July 22 Crossing America
Great Basin Nat’l. Park, NV – Ely, NV Distance 68 miles, rode 54
Distance traveled through today 3,304, rode my bike 2,761of them.
After a great night sleep and a time change to Pacific Time I was primed to get on the road
at 6:00AM. Since we were over 8,000’ in elevation decided to wear my long sleeve heat saver shirt and my jacket. By the time I rode down to Baker at 5,600’ it was time to remove them as it was already in the 80s. I zoomed down from the Park as I dropped
about 1,500’ in 7 miles in under 15 minutes, nice ride. Heading out of Baker it was a different story as immediately began climbing and continued climbing to the summit of Sacramento Pass at 7,154’ in a distance of about 15 miles. It amazes me the closer I ride to the top of a mountain the greater the head wind feels like being in a wind tunnel and slows me down by a couple miles an hour to my usual 3.5-6 mph.
This area of Nevada is in a basin surrounded by young mountain ranges by Mother Natures standards, so there are no foothills leading up to the mountains. I’d call the area a high mesa with lots of sage brush and not much to look at except the snowcapped mountains in the distance. Given the long climbs 2-3 hours and short fast descents generally lasting 15 minutes or less makes for a monotonous ride. Broke the just
mentioned fast descent rule today as the road coming down Sacramento Pass
turned south and directly into a 30+ mph headwind. Made the going as slow as climbing the pass in that I could only do 4-6 mph for the next 20 miles when once again I was
beginning the steeper Connor Pass at 7,722’. Pepper came along in the big van and I hailed him down to hitch a ride to the summit as I was exhausted from 4 ½ hours of full on exertion. Upon reaching the summit I remounted Spirit and we headed, finally, for a nice fast downhill run of about 15 miles averaging in excess of 30 mph the distance.
The road leveled out but this time I had the headwind as a tailwind and looked forward to an easy ride into Ely. Suddenly KABOOM like a gun shot and then the fishtail action of the rear of my bike wanting to go every which but straight. Yet again my Guardian Angel kept my bike upright and to a full stop. I’d hate to think of what would have happened had the tire blew out on the fast descent I’d just completed. Thank you God for taking care of this Old Guy yet again.
Yet another surprise, I turned on my phone on the off chance I might have service and did. We haven’t had cell phone or internet service for the past couple days. I phoned Bridget to come pick me up which shedid. We drove to the KOA campground we are staying tonight then went on into town for some lunch and a grocery/beer stop. I need a couple beers after this day’s adventure.
Hey, I think the crew leaders are learning or at least doing a much better job of logistical planning. Tonight’s KOA campground was reserved and paid for in advance. Both Amanda and Pepper have been doing an excellent job communicating yesterday and today as to what we will be doing. Maybe all the complaining we Old Guys have been doing has had a positive affect? I like all of crew, they nice kids and I want the Bike the US for MS to
succeed with their rides across America. There is no doubt they are already doing an excellent job of fund raising.
That’s about all to report from the road today. The Old Guy is going to bed.
Good Night. The Old
Guy
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10 Comments
larry covington
July 24, 2011Frank,
You are welcome to stay as long as you want. Didn’t know if you need a few days and nights to recooperate your bag of bones. Anyway, let us plan on the Thursday the 4th at least. I don’t believe I will be working that day so I can start the smoker. (Takes most of day to smoke the roast.) And will schedule the Massgae therapist to do Home visit that day. If you would like to stay longer let me know because I’m pretty flexible.
admin
July 25, 2011Hi Larry, Thank you for the offer as of now I’m planning on getting started on Stage 2 on the 5th but that might change once my body as a day or two of rest. The 4th is for sure. My mouth is watering for the roast now! A massage sounds so goooood.
larry covington
July 23, 2011Great pics and great documentary! Finish strong Frank, I know you will. When you get a chance send me your tentative schedule for the tyransition of stage 1 and 2. When you will get here, how long before starting stage 2 and if Shawn and family are staying here or hotel. (They are welcome here if they dont mind air mattress)
Looking forward to seeing you,
Larry
admin
July 24, 2011Hi Larry, Thank you I’m glad you are enjoying the journal. I will finish, stronger maybe? I’m going to plan on being in Seattle area no later then Aug. 3, maybe on 2nd depending how long it takes me to drive up from San Fran. I will stay a night with you and a night with my nephew before beginning the next stage of my adventure. I’m going to be very flexible so let me know which day works best for you. Also, please contact Joyce as I believe she has scheduled you for the weekend? I haven’t heard from Shawn, I need to call him. I’m looking forward to being with you guys, too.
Diane
July 23, 2011Your journals certainly bring mew meaning to “adventure”! For me, an adventure is one crazy day at the mall! For you so far, it’s figuratively, mentally, physically, emotionally and literally full of ups and downs for 52 days with only a few days of rest. You seem to be handling all of it so very well. With only 9 days of Stage One remaining, you must have an overwhelming feeling of personal and MS accomplishment. If you do not, you should!!
You are more than inspiration and motivation to others in terms of fulfilling dreams. Your journals reflect honesty, integrity, and sincerity. There are no finer examples about how to live life than those!
I wish you, all of your riding companions and MS sufferers everywhere many blessings not only as you approach the finish line of Stage One but all of the years that follow, too.
Diane
admin
July 24, 2011Hi Diane, It is so great to hear from you. You always make me feel special, thank you. Check out July 23 journal entry I think you will like the picture. Thank you too for the kind words about my journal as I’ve had a couple of folks take issue with my complaints and negative comments about Bike the US for MS logistics. Take care my friend and write again when you have time.
Diane
July 24, 2011I have read everyone’s comments. Just as you have expressed your feelings, others have as well. That’s the nature of the cyberspace beast, if you will. In both cases, right or wrong, they were written with real emotions at that time. It’s up to the reader to use the feedback “as needed”. If the reader does not “agree” with a writer’s words, leave ONE comment about it, agree to disagree, leave it at that and move on! I believe anyone who reads this would agree that life is too short to sweat the small stuff!
Pic made me smile. I had no idea a “pass” was named after me!!! Who knew???
admin
July 25, 2011Hi Diane, You’re right, I took it too personal as I’m pretty good at logistics and it upset me that someone who doesn’t know me makes statements. If the guy were on the ride he would know; 1. I was prepared or else I would have quit after the first week. 2. Most of the folks on the ride have had a need for this or that and I have been able to provide whatever for them duct tape, can opener, bottle opener, food, beer, clothes pins and ev en loaned my spare bike to two of the riders in order for them to be able to continue riding when their bike is broke. In fact, at this time Trish is riding my $8,000 S-Works which I gladly offered her. 3. More then once I have made contact for the group to have showers, place to stay and food for both this crossing and next year’s, too. Oh, well life is short and I’ve already moved on. Thought the pic would bring a smile.
Diane
July 26, 2011Your points are well taken. Hope you did not miss mine. Enjoy your final days of Stage One!
admin
July 26, 2011Hi Diane, Yes, I kept in mind folks who aren’t here don’t know the full story and especially when they are friends with the founders of Bike the US for MS they are going to defend them when someone like me points out the many flaws in the logistics. I’ve already accepted the ride for what it is and concentrate on enjoying the folks I meet on my journey as well as the vast and awesome beauty of America.