Today I awoke at at 3:00 to stormy weather and the tent shaking wildly as a front moved in. Could not go back to sleep so tore down the tent and went into the high school for a breakfast burrito, fruit, juice and coffee. Anticipated hitting the road at 6:00 but because of the bad weather (it was storming) they wisely would not let us leave until 8:00. Even then we road in the rain the first 20 miles. What an experience! I wore a rain coat and my bike shorts, the rain stinging my legs like needles. Really did not need the rain coat as I was sweating so much from the first big hill that I was about as wet inside as out.
First town was around 25 miles and I think we all invaded a small gas station/convenience store. I quickly downed a large hot chocolate. While there the sun came out intermittently. Ride was good until we turned South on highway 281. Very busy traffic and we encountered new strong head winds. What was worse was the 40 mph gusts. Pushed me off the road once and I was worried it was going to push me into traffic, so at the next SAG stop I road the support truck into the campground. I made 34 of a 56 mile ride. The rear of the truck is open so we can see all the riders behind us. The wind was so strong that they were all leaning sideways and it was obvious everyone was having trouble keeping their bike straight on the road.
Tonight we are in Albion and has this town gone out of their way to help us. Camping at the fairgrounds but they have constant shuttles taking you around town. I skipped the rustic fairgrounds showers and took the ride into town to use the ones at the fitness club. Wise choice.
They have a very nice events center here at the fairgrounds where I found spaghetti, beer garden and free wi-fi. Hopefully I can load up all those pictures I have been taking.
Oh, forcast is rain and wind again. Some told me the running joke is that BRAN really stands for Bringing Rain Across Nebraska. I believe it!!!
Ron–Keep on trucking! I’m sure the rain and wind have been discouraging, but you are doing great. Hopefully Albion’s red carpet treatment has helped perk you up. And my lawn and flowers say thanks for the rain contribution. Looking forward to pics.
i see you are still going strong! congrats dad! i hope the weather starts to get better so you can at least enjoy that. i miss you and can’t wait until you come back! good luck! 🙂
Good job riding in the rain and wind! I hope the wind is at your back today!
Come home stronger than ever, Ron! Now you know you CAN so it!