This was the day the ride really started across America – we turned east – and began to climb.
We left our camp and headed south with the rush hour traffic along the waterfront. I’m still getting used to reading and following the directions on our DRG’s (daily route guide), the amount of directions and detail seems change on whim, calling out every little thing and then long stretches where they don’t call out landmarks very similar to things pointed out earlier. I guess we’ll learn to go with the flow and pay attention to our odometers.
We had almost 5000 feet of climbing today; it turned out to be three climbs, the first 2 weren’t bad, but the last one curved this way and that and never seemed to quit. I never used the granny gear (probably should have – my knees might hate me tomorrow), I just wanted to see if I could make it in the higher gear.
It felt so good to conquer our first hill day – a positive experience. I know I can do more.
We’re in a odd campground with nothing to do. The owner didn’t think we would be there so early, but he has found us some beer. I have my fellow riders to get to know and the blues are on the tape player – it’s a good day.
58.6 miles - 4,770 feet of climbing