Miles 856 to 919 , 63 miles (and around 5 bonus miles), 1,850 feet of climb, max speed: 24 mph, avg speed 13 mph
Bonus miles. Hmmm. I seem to be collecting quite a few of them. Al, Bob, and I totally missed a turn on the Murdock Canal Trail and ended up in a cement factory access road that dumped out on the frontage road to I-15. Blissfully we rode down the road not knowing any better until we noticed our odometers were lying to us (or maybe not). We eventually passed the HQ for Adobe software where we discovered our cue sheets were lying to us too (or maybe not). By committee discussions and GPS we eventually made haste to where we were supposed to be. Our staff is aware of our abilities to turn left when the sheet says right. Oh well, we got to meet more interesting people and experience the excitement of going down roads not meant for humans to trod.
 |
| This is America, from sea to shining sea |
Okay, I have to take it back. Only western Utah looked like an unshaven armpit. The ride from Salt Lake City to Provo was beautiful, even breathtaking. When the Mormon pioneers came out the mountains and down into this valley, I don’t blame their leaders for saying, ‘Ok boys, this is that Promised Land I have been telling you about.’ The mountains are magnificent. We spent 80% of the day on bike paths that either followed rail, river, or canal. All the homes were well maintained, and no trash or debris anywhere. Part of the trip went through BYU (Bingham Young University) and the dorms looked new and maintained, campus policed, and sidewalks full of well-dressed students.
Today was a tough day for my roommate Bill. Tire trouble started early this morning and two tubes later and considerable delay he was back on spokes. There was a surprisingly very little cell phone coverage on today's segment. One of my riding buddies also had a flat and we couldn’t raise a signal either. I hate to even think this is a providential practice run for what is coming. Anyway, we all made it in. The Flying Dutchmen had extra reason for blazing down the trail. When we arrived they were already in the hotel lobby watching their country’s team beat Spain 5-1 in the Soccer World Cup live from Brazil. Those boys are serious about riding AND soccer. They were even wearing war-paint of their country's flag on the foreheads and cheeks. Being from Alabama, I have nothing to say. Our fans have been known to get excited too.
 |
| AbB staff explaining which way to go, again. |
Bottom Line: I thought I would be refreshed today. No. I was sluggish, but it was all still amazing. I’m glad I have seen the better face of Utah.
I hope you enjoyed your day of rest and has a good day back on the trail. It was a beautiful day here today. Peggy says high !
ReplyDelete