June 18th, 2009 
dleslie First off, today’s stats: total mileage: 127.1 miles; time on bike – 8:02 (hours); average speed: 15.7mph; top speed: 39.2mph;
Since I didn’t finish the whole ride yesterday due to uncontrollable shivering, I started about 8 miles before the ride today. Larry and I left early to do that part. Right off the bat, we started our first climb, Sacramento Pass. In the words of Mike, it should be called “Suck”ramento Pass. It’s an absolutely beautiful mountain, but it is a long climb to the top. While at the summit, we used some Livestrong yellow chalk to write the words “Kick Cancer” on the road. On the descent, I saw the first view of Wheeler Peak, the 2nd highest mountain in Nevada. It snowed at the summit last night on its peak and was a beautiful site. After having already ridden since Monday around 375-ish miles, today was about getting to Delta. From the descent from Great Basin NP to Utah, it was almost 90 miles. Upon reaching the Utah border, it was literally tens of miles of completely straight roads and a non-stop head wind ranging from 10-40mph. Even though it was fairly flat while in Utah, it was a very demanding last 80 miles. Psychologically, seeing these straight roads for miles on end and by far the worst scenery out there, with the head winds, it was tough. In past year’s, I have done the last day from Delta to SLC, but riding the whole ride, there is absolutely no comparison to how demanding this ride is. I can say without question that this is the most physically demanding thing I have done. I look forward to tomorrow’s small day of 50 easy miles and then ready for Saturday’s big ride.
Some of my inspirational thoughts for the day: 1)Perseverence. Today was about finishing. Even though I hurt today, not finishing was not an option. 2)Perspective. While hurting in the head winds in Utah, I was riding behind Jeff and he was wearing a LOTOJA Cancer survivor jersey which reads “I survived cancer”. Maybe my pain isn’t comparable to surviving cancer. 3) The team, again. Jeff, Larry, Mike and Taylor. All helped. Great to be a part of this experience with them.
Enough rambling. I’ll enjoy the “rest” day tomorrow. After the past 4 days, 50 miles will be a cake.
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hi honey! thanks for the reply. i am excited for the last day and am looking forward to seeing my family again. we’ll see you tomorrow!
I think that it is amazing and wonderful the perspective that you and your fellow riders have experienced this week. Journeys like this give a person an accelerated growth spurt or learning curve, if you will, that can spring board you in your life. Although it has been tough at times to deal with things alone this week, I am most grateful that you have had this experience with the road, the elements, and some good friends. I am excited to have you return home tomorrow and wish you all the love in the world! Love, Tricia