We were up and on the road early to beat some of the afternoon heat in Death Valley. It was another 100 plus mile day and we ended up riding in 116 degree temps. There was one huge climb that took us up over 5000 feet. Luckily, the payback on the other side was another screaming descent. I love to climb but hadn't really gotten my legs here until Day 5. I felt great today and was finally able to settle in. Let me tell ya, 50 miles an hour on a bike...pretty darn cool.
Day 6 We were eating breakfast in the dark to get on the road early. Luckily the heat never got to yesterdays extreme highs. Though we were told 134 isn't uncommon. We completed our last leg to the Interbike Dirt Demo at about 2pm today. The crowds were huge and of course the champagne was flowing.
This was a major undertaking for me. I want to thank Mike Sinyard and all of the wonderful folks at Specialized for making this adventure possible. Also, thanks to everyone on the ride and back home for all of your encouragement. I couldn't have done this without you. A special thanks to Dan, for dragging and pushing me back in the many times I fell off. Kisses to the ChickTrain for all their hard work and determination and to Rachel for keeping us strong mentally when I just wanted to get off my bike. I made many new friends and found a toughness inside that I had no idea was there. What a week. I'm sorry it's over but I can't imagine having to get back in the saddle today!
Total distance that I rode: 513 miles in 6 days
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