Day 2, abbreviated Tombstone loop

Lon changed the route due to a storm coming in to SV at about 1 pm.  We started out at 7:30 am, temp 37 degrees, 14-20 mph winds from the SSW.  Art flatted (again) a couple miles out, fixed that, then came upon a lone rider who was trying to fix a flat herself and couldn't get the CO2 cartridge to work.  Stopped to help her, got back on our bikes and literally flew at an average of 35 mph due to a strong tailwind, all the while thinking, "I'm gonna pay for this fun".  At Tombstone we headed back via Rt. 82, yes, going SSW and yes, I got payback.  Art and Jay led me in, 'echeloning' like the geese the whole way.

bike wash

Stats; 53.8 miles, 16.2 mph average pace, 35.7 max speed (and I am sure that was with the tailwind on a flat because we had relatively no descents!).  Time, 3:18 minutes.  I'm looking out the window now and it's very much a winter scene - a blizzard with whiteout conditions.  Can it really be warm by Friday!?

Post-ride DQ Blizzard during a blizzard

lunch, inside due to the weather

Watched a video last night of Lon and Susan's work with PAC Tours down in Peru.  They lead combo bike/volunteer trips procuring and delivering supplies to students and orphans.  One scene is of a 4 mile hike into the jungle to get to a school.  A woman who volunteers is wearing wedge sandals!  There is a link to their work on the PAC Tour site with more information about their S. American volunteer work/bike trips. Trips up the Amazon on a boat with supplies and bikes?!  Sounds intriguing.  Not a lux trip for sure.

Oh yeah, my room is next to two (of what used to be) HTC Highroad staff; young guys who didn't race, but are pretty good.   And they know Cav....I'll claim fame by association.