Morning mist soon evaporates, leaving the road ahead clear and dry. This may not have been the state that Mike was looking for. He had already committed to ride today, perhaps unaware of the day’s rigour. Our route today is to Churchbridge, close to the Eastern border of Saskatchewan. It is relatively flat, though 126 km long. You see, Mike has ridden 100 km – twice, I believe – and they were both significant and draining feats. To add 25% to that number seem impossible.
Well, from the very beginning, Mike was set to make this possible. He road strong out of camp and never looked back. He burst through 100 km still feeling strong and led much of the remaining distance to our campground. This was Mike’s longest ride – ever. He impressed his harshest critic and impressed his closest supporters.
That’s why this is Mike Day.
As for me, a slight quad pull has me worried. We have 2-3 longish days ahead, and I’ll be taking it easy.
We have another amazing meal from Darlene. This one has an amazing side show, as a crop duster buzzes us dozens of times so close we can almost hit him with a drone. Ironic, as the pesticides may be the thing that brings us out here in the first place.
Our campground is mostly empty (as the majority have been), though we do find two other groups of cyclists that are also doing long rides: a British couple who are travelling East to West, and a solo 62 yr old, who is travelling in our direction, even going to the same place as us tomorrow. His wife mails him freeze dried meals that he created, which he picks up at post offices along the way. That level of preplanning … um … eluded us. We have them over to our fire and exchange travel stories for a little while. It’s a reminder of how much we all enjoy the camping part of this.
Tomorrow we cross into Manitoba. Wow this is going fast.
Stats to date: 3,952 km and 28,426 m vertical. The verts aren’t changing much, but those kms are still clicking along.
6 Responses
You guys are amazing. Mike congratulations.Dont overdo it.
When have I ever overdone it 🙂
Wow! You guys are doing great! What a fabulous experience! Thanks for the newsy blogs! They make me feel like I’m there with you all sharing your amazing tour!
Kudos to you, Mike, on setting a new distance record for yourself!
Keep up the great ride – one day at a time. And if that feels like too much, then moment by moment will get you to your goal. 🙂
Thanks BA, we are doing good and feeling good.
You are amazing, yes indeedy!!
You are moving fast. I like your blogs. Take care.