Stage 5

Wow, that was a breakthrough ride. I felt really good. 113.4 miles in 6:09:12 for an average speed of 18.43 mph. I started at 4:35. At the start it was 61 degrees and 77 at the finish. It was quite windy again for the entire ride. Average heart rate was 113 for the first 68 miles and 125 for the last 45 miles. Drank 1.25 gallons and ate 2300 calories. Lost 2 lbs.

At 43 miles when I met Bill my average was 17.8 and I was a little discouraged because of the wind making it so tough. Bill took off immediately and led through the headwind section at an amazing 18 to 20 mph. When we turned the corner and got the tailwind Bill pushed the pace to 24-25 mph. After 25 miles following Bill, my average was up to 18.2. Thanks Bill. I went back to town with Bill, refilled my gatorade, and headed out for the last 45 miles. At this point I felt really good and decided that the breakaway that Bill had started needed to continue and I set a goal of maintaining the 18.2 average speed. I had to do 2 of the standard 18 mile loops that we do, plus the to and from town to get the 45 miles. Thus I had to fight the headwind for 35 minutes twice. I was not able to do the 18-20 mph that Bill did, but I did hold 16-18 and then 24 mph on the tailwind section. It went well and I was faster the second time around.

Wildlife: 3 rabbits, 1 groundhog, and 1 deer. The deer just stood and watched, about 10 meters from the road, as I climbed Hays hill to the finish line.

Other bikers: 2 in red. We said Hi and I got the impression that they knew me, but with helmets and sunglasses, I haven't been able to place them. Who are you???

Sunrise: I have been able to time my laps so that I turn and face the sun as it rises. It has been spectacular every day.

Traffic: I only had to slow a little once for a car.

Interesting side effects (or I'm going a bit crazy): When I used to white water kayak, I would feel the boat rocking for some hours after being on the water. I am having two similar types of sensations. I occasionally, feel the motion of the bike as if I am banking around a corner fast. Also, for an hour or so after the ride, if I look at something that is not to close to me, it looks like it is receding away from me. I can only guess that this is because I have spent so much time with everything moving towards me that the brain starts to think that is normal and when it stops moving toward me the brain thinks it is moving away.

Today's ride was so easy that I hope that the effort does not cost me tomorrow. Stage 6 is 123.96 miles, and then not as long on Saturday and Sunday. Monday is a rest day. I am pretty confident that I will make it through the tough first 8 stages before the rest day. The only question is if I will arrive at the rest day stronger or worn down. It is important that I don't push too hard even when I am feeling strong. Last year I paid the price for that a couple of times.