Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Day 3 Across America North
 |
| The top of our climb! |
 |
| Mt. Hood |
 |
| Alastair and Chris |
CAC2017CYCLINGFOR GREATKIDS
What a ride today from Welches to Kah-Nee-Ta (Warm Springs, OR)! Lots of climbing, zooming down some switchbacks, and a finish that required my granny gear! We biked to breakfast after loading our bags at 6:30 am to the Whistlestop Cafe about a mile away. After tanking up on the usual fare, we climbed almost 3000 feet in the first 15 miles, and crested Blue Box Pass at 4024 ft. Since yesterday also had some climbing, I could sense some concern at the breakfast table about how our rider's legs would hold out on a second climbing day in a row. As always, the minds of our riders led them to places that their bodies might not go!
Of course after a tough climb, the reward is rocketing down the other side at a speed that is fun (42.5 mph), but not going to get you hurt. Today there were two really fun downhills: one long and pretty straight, and the other one down a set of switchbacks that brought us to within about 3 miles from the finish. Last challenge of the day was a REALLY steep trip up a hill into the hotel/resort complex. I had not used the gear that makes my bike easier to pedal until then and I was REALLY happy to have it for the last mile plus. Whew!
After we crested the first monster hill, Mt. Hood became more into focus and I have one of my photos posted above. The scenery is breathtaking and from beginning to end I was in awe of God's handiwork.
Lastly, I want to introduce you to some of my buddies pedaling along with me or providing support for our 50 person team. We have one tandem that is captained by Alastair Heggie and the stoker (guy in the back) is Chris Mairs. This team is unique in that Alastair is not only pedaling but providing a running commentary to Chris who is blind! I spoke to them at the very beginning of our first ascent and then had a nice conversation with them in the bar at our hotel about 6 hours later. Wonderful guys and great athletes indeed!
Take care, and . . . stay healthy!
Steve
Click below to support the CAC mission and make a tax-deductible donation!
posted by Steve King at 9:02 PM
2 Comments:
Just caught up on your adventures and living vicariously through them, Dr King! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Mike! Tomorrow is the 117 mile day with 6000 feet of climbing. I am excited and ready! Hope you and the Team Novy are having a great summer. Hugs to Julie!
Post a Comment
<< Home