Distance: 118 miles
Climb: 1045'
Weather: Windy and warm, mid to upper 80's
Wind, Wind, Wind!!!! What a day - what a day!!!! Wind came from every direction!! We left Wendover very early after a 4:45am breakfast!! Once again I-80 many miles; Sag #1 after 40 miles; I-80 fifty more miles; SAG #2; I-80 for the 13 more miles arriving in Salt Lake City, and the final 15 miles on a frontage road into the hotel located very close to the airport.
On days like this often times the route isn't the main challenge - instead there are other issues that keep riders on their toes. Keeping a sufficient amount of sunscreen on any exposed skin, keeping the bike under control while dealing with crosswinds, headwinds, and on a very short section tail winds, and mechanically keeping the bike on the road are all challenges. All of this requires cyclists to be in tune with their body in reference to eating and hydrating. Some were heard saying, "I'm not hungry or thirsty - I'm tired of eating", etc. However, eat and drink they must to continue with the task at hand.
All riders conquered the challenges of the day and proved to themselves that they have what it takes to work at this level. Self-satisfaction is causing them all to walk around beaming at the end of the day because they accomplished an incredible feat - all these riders whose ages range from early 20's into their 70's!!
Tomorrow will be a well-deserved rest day after 11 long days in the saddle (the longest stretch of the ride!)! Friday they will be "on the road again"!! Tune in for the next update.