Another tough day in the saddle, but it wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be. We did get rain. In fact, we started the ride in pouring rain and rode for about 2 hours before it cleared. But it did clear, which we weren't expecting. And my rain gear worked pretty well. However, we knew a thunderstorm was headed for our hotel so our goal was to beat the storm because we can't ride in lightening. To do this we blew through several rest stops and kept lunch to a minimum. We enjoyed our actual lunch when we got to the hotel. And we did beat the storm. We also crossed the 3000 mile mark! Only 800 more to go.
Normally I ride with a group of 6-7 other people, but today I ended up riding with just two other people. With the heavy rain it is hard to ride in a tight group. You can't see as well and the spray off the tires makes it even more difficult. Also, the last few days the wind really trashed our legs so we just kind of naturally broke into a few groups and rode at a pace that was comfortable and sustainable for the 78 miles. We rode through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and ended in Punderson State Park at the Punderson Manor. The area around our hotel looks like it would be great to explore, but...
As I sit and type this post, it is pouring down rain and the flags outside the hotel are blowing all over. There was even lightening and a tornado watch earlier. After living in California for so long it is nice to watch a rain storm. But, I am happy we beat the storm to the hotel and I get to enjoy it from the comfort of my room.
Tomorrow is our last short day for a while and it is going to be on the cooler side, but no rain. The entire ride will be in the 50s, which should be perfect riding weather (unless the wind decides to beat us up again).
Day 36 stats:
distance: 78.0 miles
elevation gain: 3553 ft
nutrition:
breakfast: eggs, potatoes, danish, fruit, NuGo protein bar
lunch: cheese and crackers, potato salad, fruit, La Croix
post-ride: 1 recovery drink; 1 small coke; sandwich with cheese, peppers, and tomatoes; doritos; sour patch kids; and an Aha
gels: 2
bloks: 0.5
52 oz skratch superfuel, 26 oz zym
Day 37 details - Newbury to Meadville, PA
planned distance: 63 miles
planned elevation gain: 2217 ft