JUNE 13 "THE ARMPIT OF AMERICA"

The story goes: In 2000 a travel reporter for The Washington Post found what he reported to be "The Armpit of America." It is Battle Mountain, NV. Five gold mines currently operate here, but that year the gold market was in recession and many townspeople had been laid off, resulting in severely depressed economic conditions. As the reporter drove into town at night, the letter S in the SHELL station sign was out. When he saw HELL and the depressed town of 3000, he had found his "armpit."

The townspeople here "don't like much that comes out of Washington anyway," so they fought back. While biking on I-80, we noticed a large billboard sign that advertizes Battle Mountain as the Armpit of America and invites visitors. Old Spice deodorant held a large festival in town last year as a promotion.

The lady at the motel desk told me, "It is a nice place to live," and that she has raised 4 sons here. They received good educations in the public schools, and "have made in Battle Mountain lasting friendships for a lifetime" I'll take her word...over The Washington Post!

The ride today of 56 miles on I-80 took us over Golconda Summit, a climb of 3.8 miles. The downhill of 5.6 miles that followed was a highlight for most (again---not me). We have seen "dust devils" whirling off in the distance....and mile after mile of barren desert sagebrush. One of the distant mountains was still snow capped.

Bike Lane on I-80

Following last evening's "route rap" in which instructions for today's ride were given, Mason presented the second special award of the trip. He spoke first as the youngest member of the group (29) and as a regular member of what he called "the scenic group" of riders. Joe (TX), John(ME), Mike (NJ) are also members of the group. They always leave a bit later than the others and really enjoy the ride. I rode with them the first several days. Lately, as I'm always ready to go early, I've been riding with others. I've told Mason--in jest--that "I've moved up from the "C team". After a SAG stop yesterday afternoon, we all headed out together. A few miles later the group I was riding with passed Mason and the "scenic group". When I went by I said to Mason, "This is the point in the day when the great ones kick it up a notch." I knew there would be some retaliation. It came in the form of the second special award.

Mason said at the route rap that although he was representing the youth group, he felt that the actions of older members made the whole group take on a youthful cast, like a bunch of spring chickens. Specifically, he mentioned that one person had "moved up" from the scenic group to ride with the faster guys; a man who could "kick it up a notch--like the great ones" The award "The Spring Chicken Award" was presented to ME. It is to be carried all day and the presented to "another deserving person when appropriate".

I rode with "the scenic group" today....and had a lot of laughs!

The Spring Chicken Award

         - Bill

Previous Entry -- Next Entry

Journal Entry Home

Contact Bill now at bill@bikingwithbill.org
Website questions?  Contact Katy at info@bikingwithbill.org.