I Asked to join this years ride to, pay tribute to my deceased sister, Alison who was taken by an aggressive giloblastoma, and to join with Jeff for moral support while raising some funds for Cancer research.
Today was day one. I have to admit there have been some emotional swings getting to this point, I mean the thought of 600 plus miles with over 29,000 feet of elevation in just 5 days of riding…..seems like a solid metaphor for the struggle many face with this terrible disease.
Today started with splendid weather and a head wind. Jeff, Larry Peterson, and I, rode from the Arch in downtown Reno Up and Over Gieger pass (2,700 feet in 11 miles) and into Virginia city where we met up with Jeff’s father, Jim, who is driving support. My father is also driving a support vehicle.

Our ride continued along highway 341 with a solid headwind all the way to the connection into highway 50 about 10 miles out of Fallon. The highway changed direction at this point and we were able to ride with the wind for about the next 30miles.

Our next climb was Sand mountain, a fairly short climb with a easier gradient. Then on to Shoe Tree, a unique local form of folklore/art. many people have tossed their shoes up into this tree and i must admit there are more shoes in this tree than there are at any footlocker.

20 of the last 25 miles were quite a struggle. The road has a gradual 2% incline and the wind was again working against us. The day ended with 132 miles, I ate more food today than in the past 3 days. Anyway I need to get some sleep……. blog tomorrow.