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with Bill |
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June 14 EASING INTO ELKOOur 72 mile ride to Elko, NV got off to an early start this morning. We were on the road by 6:45 am. Normally the temperature in this high desert region is 100 degrees or more this time of year, so AbB wanted us on the road in the coolest part of the day.
We were fortunate with some early clouds and a headwind, so the heat was not a factor today. We were at our motel, the High Desert Inn in Elko, shortly after 1:00 pm. A little about Elko, NV: The city of Elko sits in the largest gold mining region in the country. Active open-pit and underground mines operate outside of town. Ranching remains the most common occupation and way of life. Descendants of the early Shoshone tribes still live here. It appears clean, prosperous and friendly.
The main bike route today was again I-80, but we took a picturesque side road through Carlin Canyon in order to avoid the Carlin Tunnel. The tunnel cuts through the mountainside and is off limits to bicycles. The scenery in this region of Nevada is characterized by open range covered with sagebrush and towering granite peaks with deep canyons off in the distance.
Our groups rode at a pretty good clip this morning on the flats of I-80. At one point we had a "pace line" going with 10-12 people to draft in the headwind. At mile 26 we began the 12 mile climb up Emigrant Pass. The grade was gradual, but we climbed 1325 ft on a steady upward slope. We complain about I-80 for its rumble strips in the bike lane for miles, its truck tire debris etc, BUT, we are seeing beautiful country....and we are having FUN!
I can't say enough complimentary words about the group of bikers. The comraderie of our 33 members is extraordinary. People are outgoing, helpful, happy to be here, and fun. The mustache and goatee growing contest began today. I AM IN! (...at least for awhile). Seven guys have shaved their heads! Mason is used to giving buzz cuts to his troops as they came in off Army maneuvers...so he is the barber. About the bikes: I don't have an accurate survey, but the most common bikes on the trip are: Trek, Litespeed, Lemond, and Specialized. Tomorrow we begin 2 days of back-to-back century rides (100 plus miles per day) that will take us into Salt Lake City. Breakfast is at 5:00 am! I'm off for an ice cream cone. - Bill
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Contact Bill now at bill@bikingwithbill.org |
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