May 21, 2024 to Dalhart, TX

 My longest ride in 9 years!


My bike, old wired cateye, caliper brakes, triple on the crank, paper cue sheet.

New bikes, disc brakes, electronic shifting, gps guidance.

Really could not have asked for better.   95 miles, tailwind most of the way, a little crosswind.   Headwinds last 10 miles , all in all, for a long ride like that, really great conditions.

Ended up climbing 2200 feet, and descent of same 2200 feet.

Did not take many pictures as I wanted to get thru the day.   Besides, not much to see.

Pretty flat as far as the eye can see 



Crossed into Texas at mile 53.


Really nothing much to see, pretty much flat as far as the eye can see.
I wanted to stop and take pictures of biggest feed lot I will ever see.   Seriously covered at least 3/4 mile , and as far into the distance as I could see.   Nothing but black and white cattle.
We may pay tomorrow for today's good conditions.   Sounds like 10 mph direct headwind the entire way into Oklahoma.  Still seems unreal to me that I started on the ocean, and am now in the Texas panhandle.
Turns out the hub of my rear wheel is likely worn.   Cannot stop the side to side play and wobble in the hub .   Mechanic is going to look at possible parts from Cane Creek, or else order a new wheel for our next rest day.   No way I'd want to put another 2400 miles on this one .   Should know tomorrow.
We lost possibly the strongest rider today to a weird accident.   Deepest rumble strips I've seen.   Somehow he hit them, lost control, broken collarbone in 3 places, several broken ribs, and pelvic fracture.   Probably happened ate 25 mph.  It was a fast section with 18 inches of pavement between the edge of the road dropoff and the rumble strips     he did not bang his head thankfully, just kind of scraped.  As several people were right behind him . As I understand it he is being moved to Amarillo for a more thorough evaluation tonight.
Another note, New Mexico did not want to let me go.   Flat tire within 200 yards of the Texas state line!
Bottom line good day for me 

Comments

  1. Jeff BeierMay 22, 2024 at 4:03 AM

    Jeff, you're doing great! What an experience. Glad that you had a good day. Look forward to seeing you in Ohio. Stay safe and enjoy the ride.

    ReplyDelete

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