Tuesday, July 23, 2013
July 23, Stage 17
July 23, Murdo, SD to Mitchell, SD, 145.3 miles, 2750 climbing feet. 9:49 hours in the saddle. Yesterday was 8:48 hours.
Another day of 10-15 mph winds out of the east, and we were again headed straight east. Miserable day. Got in about 6:00 p.m. Rolling hills in the morning, somewhat like western Iowa, except western Iowa hills are steeper. Not a whole lot to see besides hay, corn, and soybeans. When Amy Ellen and Ben were 2-4 years old, Marsha and I would try to teach them the difference between corn and soybean fields while we were traveling. Took awhile, since it was a complex concept, but they eventually caught on. Feels like home. The only interesting landmark was the neat bridge that crosses the Missouri River at Chamberlain. I hung with a group in a pace line for while, but they were to strong for me. Then rode by myself until Bill, Jill and Jose came along. Bill led the way for the next 75 miles, mostly on his aero bars, with the other three of us following along, benefiting from his leading into the wind. The wind prevents building up any speed--my maximum speed was about 22 mph--so one is always working. But we kept going about 15-16 mph. Road surface was terrible--several miles of concrete, with cracks every 20 feet that jolted the body and particularly the butt. I decided to pass on possibly my only opportunity to see the Corn Palace in Mitchell. 8 blocks out of the way was just too much. 7 or 8 riders did not ride today because of anticipating the wind. Another 4 or 5 hung it up during the day. They should be well-rested for tomorrow. We did have stinging rain for awhile about noon, and temps got into the mid 80s--better than 90s.
Very understandable. My body hurts all over. Neck, seat are main culprits. Legs are not ready for another 135 tomorrow, in only 9 hours. The hope is still for some break from the wind. Kathleen, the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center's Development Director, had a package of her famous homemade cookies, a couple of inspirational quotes, and list of those who have sent notes and/or made pledges to the Center's Counseling Assistance Fund, waiting for me when I arrived today. Now I have to decide if I will share the cookies. Thanks to all those who have pledged and who have sent well-wishes. Not to be passing the hat, like at a Methodist revival meeting, but if anyone is interested in pledging a penny or two or so per mile of this trip, call Kathleen at 515-274-4006. She can arrange for you to have a pledge card. The funds allow the Center to offer services to clients regardless of their financial resources.
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I've really enjoyed reading your blog the past couple of weeks, and continue to keep you in prayer. Hope your neck and hip (and lip and forehead and...) don't give you much trouble in the days ahead!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone ever take this trip on a recumbent trike? That would sure help your neck, seat, and hip.
Waving from Des Moines!
Sounds like another rough one. I'd say Bill deserves a couple of cookies, but I know how good Kathleen's cookies are so I'd say keep the rest for yourself. Good to hear your voice on the phone today. Sorry I had to cut short, Jackie had woken up and had to get ready for her 2 year check-up. She checked out good, but this evening took a header in the cul-de-sac and ended up with some good road rash on her forehead.
ReplyDeleteWell, the fact there's not much to see in that part of the country may explain why there's not much in the way of songs about that neck of the woods. I'm guessing you're not going through Sioux Falls, but you'll be near it. I hope the wind shifts and you can "sail to Sioux Falls" and beyond. Love, Ben
The Golden Birds- "Sioux Falls"
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzyOHk5eO2g
Lyrics:
Roads run away to reflected glare
No use the map pocked with coffee stains
Crumpled in my lap all that still remains
Of the course which yesterday seemed to funnel the very air
Straight through Sioux Falls in the caves and you've seen the buffalo
Sioux Falls in the days you knew your words you knew where to go
Crease of the page new rip in the script
Jars us awake from dreaming now to sew or not to sew
And I can hear your silence screaming who are we to know
In this day and age navigation’s been outstripped by these roads
Will any find the riversides of Sioux Falls and you've seen the harvest
Open skies solid walls and no need for east or west
Saloons of Sioux Falls and you've seen the cavalry
Drinking with Boone Davy and Paul singing songs of liberty
Me and my Rolls Royce we took the long way home
So many perfect names ringing of distant shores and beginners luck
But they all looked the same tired thrift stores too many trucks
All drowning out your voice over the pay phone
What're you saying
What is it you’re saying
I can’t tell what you're saying
Put down the phone and lets get married Babe
Just look at us falling prey
To a country's worth of window shopping
And what are we looking for
I'll pick you up no sense in stopping
We’ll push on against the sun up to the shore
Onto the ferry
Then away we'll sail away
We’ll sail to Sioux Falls yeah
We’ll sail to Sioux Falls yeah
We’ll sail to Sioux Falls yeah
We’ll sail to Sioux Falls
Crumpled in my lap all that still remains
Of the course which yesterday seemed to funnel the very air
Ellery, sorry to hear that the headwinds are getting into your brain, your rear, your neck and, of course, your legs. You are more than 50% complete based on number of days, so you're over the apex of the ride using the calendar as a measure. Maybe you can focus your visualization on that view of being over the calendar climb. If that visualization isn't working, maybe counseling is advised.
ReplyDeleteRAGBRAI made it to Des Moines yesterday, so the streets were jammed and the riders were jamming. I stayed away from the crush of over 25,000 riders. So your ride with a few people is a much better situation than riding alongside 24,999 of your best friends.
Your friends and family are obviously (and in some cases covertly) sending you thoughts of strength and perseverence.
Wishing you well! We are all thinking about you and cheering you on!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are all wishing you well and keeping up on what you are doing each day. Sounds like a lot of work, but some beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteWithout deference to your Midwest bethren, there's a reason ben's having a tough time with songs......
ReplyDeleteTry uncle tupelo's "flatness".
Some could say we 're biased, but the prettiest part of the country is coming soon. No wind and no corn.
I've known Amy for a few years now, but the story she tells most about you is when she was young and you guys were out for a training ride into a headwind and you rode on front so she could make it home.