Monday, June 25, 2007

Pactour Elite Southern Transcontinental: Day 16

Day 16: Eufaula AL to Dublin GA
Mileage/Ride Time: 160 miles 9:07 Time Lv/Arr: 6:30am/5:21pm (+1 Eastern Time)
Climbing: 4500ft Avg Speed/Work: 17.4mph/4203 kJ

Today we crossed over into Georgia.

160 miles. 99F and 89% humidity.

If that wasn't enough to keep you from stopping just long enough to fill your bottles with ice at the water stops, there was also the incessant buzzing of flies.

Big rollers in the (comparatively cool) morning, relatively flat in the sweltering afternoon. Profile:

My legs are always heavy in the first two hours of riding. I tend to do better later on as the day progresses.

Course (MapSource and Google Earth):


Notes:
  • On this penultimate day of riding, I was praying for no more mechanicals (busted cables or tires).

    But you can never be absolutely sure. Take nothing for granted.

    For example, this morning I saw Eric Hallam run (on foot) into a water stop. His FSA left crank had cracked all the way through on his Cervelo.

    One of the crew lent him his bike.
  • We're finally crossed over into Eastern time. This means we lose another hour's worth of sleep tonight.

    However, tomorrow is the last day of the Elite Southern Transcontinental. One more day of getting up at 5:40am.

3 comments:

  1. Sandiway,

    Thank you for your pictures and narrative -- both elements are excellent observations from the inspired rider that you are. I've been reading the posts everyday and have truly enjoyed your style -- I would cherish the opportunity to ride with you to learn how to meet and beat the challenge of the PACtour elite -- an awesome accomplishment -- pat yourself and your riding mates on the back for a job beyond well done! And give my best to your fellow rider Jeff Linder -- we are anxious for him to come home and regale us with the tales of the tour!

    Take care,

    Terry Ryan

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jeff is riding very strongly on that Bike Friday with the suspension beam. He is 61. An inspiration to all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cheers for making it! I've enjoyed your blog (and George's and Byron's) and have been checking your progress daily.

    -Michael

    ReplyDelete