Ride Report: 25 Miles, 980 Total Miles, 21.5 Avg mph, 0 Ft. Climbing (Yes - you read that right!), 2,045 Calories. The reader should note today's average speed: 21.5 mph, BABY! The reader may also note the big fat ZERO in the climbing category.
This is the first time in three weeks that we've had a flat course to ride. I was on the Sequoia since it looked like rain when we left Lolo Hot Springs. The road was dry, so we were optimistic. But it was literally no more than a half mile later and the road was wet. Approximately 200 yards later, my keester was wet. (Sigh). Oh - and it was also just barely 50 degrees when we left. We got rained on for most of the ride. When a rider is faced with both cold and wet, there is only one answer. (QUIT? No - C'mon...) Ride hard enough to stay warm - so that's what we did. I ain't gonna lie, it was fun to crank off 25 miles at that pace. We had actually averaged 22.8 at the 14 mile mark then decided to dial it back a bit for the last 9 miles. What a blast. Made me forget (almost) about the wet keester. But this whole water thing caused problems later...
BTW - no ride pics. It was largely unremarkable - and wet. Given the whole cold thing, I wasn't gonna stop for pics unless something jumped up and bit me. I did see two moose crossing signs. Fortunately no moose (mooses, meese, moosen?) jumped out to bite me, or I'd have been forced to subdue him and take a pic...
Most of the day was about the bonus side trip to Missoula, that's where all the pics come from today. Missoula happens to be the home of the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA). They're the good folks who put out the map that made The Thin Blue Ride a reality. So, when one is on the T/A (or one of the other 3-4 routes that come thru Missoula) a side trip to headquarters is a necessity. Hey - when you're on a once in a lifetime hajj, you go to Mecca, right? So, let's see Missoula...
This is Susan and me and standing just outside.
And the anticipation builds. On the way in, they had this sign. I think this is the right place.
This relic, readers, is one of the original signs marking the T/A. They were placed after the first organized T/A ride in honor of the nation's bicentennial in 1976. I happen to have one of these sacred relics myself hanging on the wall of our garage in Manhattan. Found it in an antique shop in Abilene, KS. To a T/A rider, it's like possessing a sliver of the cross...
(Takes big breath.) OK - in we go. Note the bicycle handlebars as door pulls. Wrapped in handlebar tape, no less. Very original.
Once inside we met this guy. His name is Jim McTighe. He's in charge of advertising, web content and marketing collateral. Basically, he's their Art Director for the ACA. Since I'm a member, he gave us a guided tour of Mecca.
And this...this is the Black Rock of the ACA. This tandem was used by Jim Richardson and Linda Thorpe in 1974 to do route research for what eventually became the T/A in 1976. It has five gears in the back - and they're road gears. Not really set up for climbing - and tandems are absolute slugs on climbs. I can't imagine doing the T/A on this bike. In the interests of full disclosure and to inform the reader, Susan and I ride a tandem together.
Things have grown exponentially since 1976. This map of the US shows every ACA route in the country. They're designated by the thick red lines. If you enlarge the pic you will see the red circle just to the West of Austin, TX. That's the Texas Hill Country Loop that was the basis for the Texas Test Flight series of posts I did a few months ago.
Oh yes - the water issue. The Sequoia had increasingly been experiencing a creaking sound from his (he was embarrassed by this so keep it on the down low) bottom bracket. I know, I know. These things happen as one ages. But he was worrying endlessly about it. He was afraid it might affect his ability to perform on the road. Anyway, I assured him that we'd get him to the Doc when we made it to a town with a specialist. No generalists for my buddy, mind you. So, once we hit Missoula - in we went. The doctors (mechanics) there were very understanding and said they'd take a look. Both Sig (Susan's name for him, BTW) and I were afraid he might need a bottom bracket transplant. They took him to the rear and told me to go get my mind off it while they examined him and, "...did what was necessary." I left with a sense of foreboding. Sig looked sick about it as I left.
So, taking the Doctor's advice, I went to help Susan with the laundry. This is what that looked like. The wet ride this morning had resulted in an inordinate amount of (surprise) wet riding apparel. Later that afternoon, I got the call. Sig was OK and I could come pick him up. He wasn't allowed to ride on his own owing to the "procedure" and all...
So, here he is out and about again with me along to keep an eye on him. He was moving a little slowly. Turns out he didn't need a bottom bracket transplant. Somehow (???) he had managed to get a bunch of water in there and it was causing this ungodly creaking whenever I would really hit the cranks. The Doc said, "We just had to clean him out and re-grease him. He's fine now." Sig was greatly relieved, but still hugely embarrassed by the entire affair and swears he'll never get water in his bottom bracket again. I was just happy to have him back healthy.
And finally there was this. As we were walking to the laundromat, we ran across a well cared for house, in the middle of town with - chickens. This is how one knows one has returned to civilization. Chickens where they are unnecessary. Well, that and decent cell phone service. Did I mention that Missoula is a University town? Now, off to another marker of a civilized society: Wal-Mart.
Back on the road tomorrow. First crossing of the continental divide the following day. More on this as it develops.
Till next time.
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