Oklahoma and it's incessant headwinds finally got the best of me as I decided to get off my bike at the lunch stop (just as we crossed over I-35) and ride in the support van for the final 30 miles of the day. Although I felt ok when I started this morning, my pace kept slowing and I lost contact with the pace line. At that point I was totally exposed to the headwinds and soon reached the point where I simply could not will my legs to turn the pedals anymore. While disappointed that my goal of pedaling every mile is no longer achievable, I do join the majority of riders on this trip who have spent some time in the van.
Now my focus is on recovering my strength such that I can enjoy the post-Oklahoma portion of the trip. With 30 degree temperatures forecast for tomorrow morning, I will likely decide to declare Sunday a "day of rest" and ride in the van for the relatively short 70 miles to Bartlesville. This will hopefully get me rested for the 100+ mile ride out of Oklahoma and into Missouri on Monday.
I'm sure those who live in Oklahoma or were raised here have a real fondness for their state. As a cyclist trying to get across the state I have a somewhat different view. Simply stated, I can not imagine anyone wanting to live here unless there is an oil or gas field under their property.
Steve
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ReplyDeleteNothing harder than to ride with headwinds. I would much rather be climbing. 30 degrees is too cold for me, when you add in the windchill you get from moving on the bike. You have so many miles in such a short time, a rest day sounds like something I would do.
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