Stage 14

122.41 miles in 6:46:31 for an average speed of 18.07 mph. That was the easiest ride of that distance that I have ever done! It was easier no doubt because I went at a pretty easy pace, but also since it was nice and cool and there was very little wind.

I started at 2:50 AM. I thought that it was going to be a pretty tough ride so I decided to get an early start. It was 60 degrees at the start, but Ellen says that by 6:00 AM it was 56 degrees. It was 75 at the finish. I drank .75 gallons and ate 2200 calories. Lost 1 lb. Average heart rate was 116 bpm. There was no wind until about 80 miles and then it didn't get very strong.

Bill is back from his conference and joined me for miles 67 through 107. The miles just flew by. We had a bit of fun with our aggressive dog. He chased me like usual and I put a few ounces of gaterade into his face. Bill slowed a bit and said that it was entertaining to watch. The dog then stopped chasing me and turned back to Bill. I turned back and Bill slowed and yelled at the dog which scared it off. It also saw me coming back fast toward it and it was running off into the field by then. On our second lap it was not out. On my last lap it was there, but it just watched me go by.

Wildlife: 5 rabbits and 8 deer. Bill and I saw three deer close together, but not together. The last one ran very fast across the road in front of us 15 or 20 meters ahead. The speed was impressive.

Stage 15 tomorrow is 121.79 miles. I plan to start early again. The second rest day is on Tuesday.