Day 7

Waking up in Lovelock, NV, the sky was clear and the wind was blowing briskly from the east, yes folks, the east. Since we were headed to Winnemucca, NV, a 72 mile jaunt eastward, our day ahead would be a bit challenging. After assisting with the loading of the van, I left the parking lot about 15 minutes behind the main group. I initially rode with Larry Fariss, Scott Terpstra, and ride leader, Mike Munk. After about 2 miles of warmup, Mike started revving the pace up and I followed, while Larry and Scott followed their own inner rhythm. To make a long story short, I rode with Mike the entire 72 and we pushed the pace into the wind. Noteworthy sights along the way included the giant grasshoppers at about the 10 mile point. The gradueur of the surrounding terrain and mountains is enchanting. Mile after mile of towering, yet desolate mountains and countryside. Best news of the day: no flat tires and great company to ride along with. I think Mike and I talked almost the entire way, and arrived in Winnemucca about 12:30 local time. That included a couple/three stops for "fuel" and a light Subway sandwich along the way. When we arrived in Winnemucca, the luggage truck was still about an hour out, so Mike and I went downtown to the local bike store to pick up a new handlebar end piece and a new Croakie (sunglass strap). We met some Americorp volunteers along the way who had just participated in the annual Basque Parade. They were peddling a 3 wheeled covered wagon with a horse head on the front. Local color is everywhere! After a refreshing spin in the hot tub, a large milkshake at Burger King and a filling dinner a Dos Amigos, I watched a couple of bad movies and hit the rack. Another tremendous day on the road! See you tomorrow!