Day 26: Fairmont to Austin

We didn't feel our welcome gift was sufficient, so as a second gift here's another 80 miles, but with even stronger wind. Thank you, Minnesota, thank you.

Today was another tough day thanks to wind, but we got smarter. Today we only waited 20 miles to get into a double paceline, instead of 80. This allowed us to give a couple riders an actual break from the wind while the others worked, which was very helpful. It also helped that the day was only 80 miles and it was cooler. It rained overnight, and we had a threat of rain all morning, but we only felt a few sprinkles.

The highlight of today was seeing the 55 ft tall Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN. Other than that, I can't say I saw much other than the wheel in front of me. I think I recall seeing a lake, but we are in the state of 10,000 lakes.

Tomorrow is another big day and we are likely going to be fighting more wind. When is this wind going to end?!

Day 26 stats:

• distance: 80.3 miles

• elevation gain: 1483 ft

• nutrition:

  • breakfast: cheese omelette, potatoes, muffin, cantaloupe, pineapple, banana, Kate's chocolate cherry bar, smoothie

  • lunch: PB&J, potato salad, fruit, crackers, cookies, 1 small coke

  • post-ride: 1 recovery drink, 1 small coke, lemon larabar, BBQ potato chips, 1 La Croix

  • gels: 3

  • bloks: 1

  • 52 oz skratch superfuel, 26 oz zym

Day 27 details - Austin to La Crosse, WI

• planned distance: 118 miles

• planned elevation gain: 2888 ft