Day 3 complete

At 5:30 AM, I awoke due to an overnight storm. The garage provided an ideal sleeping environment, despite the hard floor. I initially rested in the chair before deciding to begin packing and allowing Jordan to relax further.

At approximately 7:00 AM, Jordan awoke, and we promptly consumed breakfast before embarking on our journey. We departed Monty’s garage at 7:45 AM.

The temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit, and a slight headwind accompanied us. We paused outside Ovid, Colorado, to take a break and remove some clothing, as the temperature was beginning to rise.

Our average speed was 15.1 MPH from Crook, Colorado, until we reached Big Springs, Nebraska. We discovered a grocery store in Big Springs and decided to stop and replenish our supplies. Resting in the shade for approximately 30 minutes was necessary due to the intense sun. I felt fatigued, while Jordan remained relatively well-rested but was experiencing the challenges of the arduous rides.

Suddenly, the wind intensified, reaching at least 15 MPH. The hills out of Big Springs presented significant obstacles.

For the initial two miles out of Big Springs, our average speed was 6.9 MPH. We engaged in considerable walking on the steep inclines. Upon reaching the Lincoln Highway, the temperature exceeded 85 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating that we were in for a scorching day.

One State is complete!	One State is complete
Marker just East of Ovid, Colorado	Photographing the incredible scenery outside Ovid, Colorado

 

We are scheduled to arrive in Ogallala, Nebraska, at approximately 2:30 PM, covering a distance of 62.1 miles. However, we encountered an obstacle in locating a bicycle shop, as we had determined that Jordan was unable to tow the trailer with the smaller tires due to its substantial weight. Our primary objective was to acquire panniers to reduce the weight I had been carrying. We deliberated on whether to continue our journey or make a temporary halt. Ultimately, we decided to visit Pizza Hut for sustenance, refuel, and attempt to cover a few more miles.

Upon arriving at Pizza Hut, we brought the phone charger, and Jordan connected his phone to charge. As he began texting, the phone experienced erratic behavior. Both of us became irritable, and Jordan expressed his frustration, accusing Apple of compromising its quality control. We later discovered that the outlet was the source of the issue, and his phone resumed standard functionality. Another potential problem was averted.

At 3:40 PM, we departed Ogallala, Nebraska, traveling east on the Lincoln Highway. The wind was fierce, approaching 20 mph from the northeast. While it was not directly in our faces, it posed a significant challenge. As I was towing the trailer, Jordan permitted me to draft. The temperature rose to 95 degrees, and I was utterly exhausted. Consequently, we made a stop outside Paxton, Nebraska, where I found some shade to rest. 

Icing the crotch

VERY TIRED and HOT

During my rest period, we discovered a motel in Cumberland, Nebraska, approximately nine miles away (Park Inn). We contacted the establishment and informed them of our arrival time at 7:00 PM, to which they confirmed availability of a room. We subsequently traveled the remaining nine miles to conclude the day, totaling 93.3 miles. Upon arriving in town, we were delighted to discover a grocery store, which allowed us to restock our supplies, prompting us to expedite our check-in to the hotel. Regrettably, we returned to find the grocery store closed at 7:00 PM. Fortunately, we observed the Snow White Malt and Burger shop operating until 8:00 PM. We promptly consumed a meal and returned to the hotel. We made a stop to procure ice, but the hotel lacked a bathtub. Nevertheless, we managed to cool ourselves as effectively as possible. Notably, the hotel provided two rooms, which significantly reduced the disturbance caused by Jordan’s snoring.

The day’s mileage was 93.3 miles, resulting in a 40-mile deficit from our planned schedule. However, we may incur a further loss in the subsequent three days if the forecast accurately predicts heavy winds and potential rainfall.

Fortunately, after the 82-mile day scheduled for Tuesday (considering our current lead, we may opt to terminate at 50 miles if adverse wind conditions prevail), we will encounter three days with distances of 64 miles, 68 miles, and 73 miles, followed by two consecutive 45-mile days. Consequently, we can maintain our schedule, despite both of us experiencing soreness due to an average of 96 miles per day over the past three days.

Summary of Day 3:

- Total distance covered: 93.3 miles

- Average speed: 12.9 MPH (excluding breaks)

- Total riding time: 7 hours and 10 minutes

- Total day duration: Over 10 hours

- Temperature range: 48°F (low) to approximately 95°F (high)

- Total ascent (as recorded by Garmin Connect): 381 feet

- Total descent (as recorded by Garmin Connect): 1,099 feet

- Net elevation change: 615 feet (from 3,960 feet to 3,345 feet)

Our 10 miles splits from MapMyRide (time includes breaks, and mph is only riding time) were:

  0-10 in 0:50:28 - 14.4 mph
10-20 in 0:36:50 - 16.3 mph
20-30 in 1:03:26 - 13.7 mph
30-40 in 0:49:16 - 13.5 mph
40-50 in 1:42:25 - 10.2 mph
50-60 in 1:22:02 - 11.3 mph
60-70 in 0:43:27 - 14.4 mph
70-80 in 1:08:19 - 12.6 mph
80-90 in 1:09:00 - 11.8 mph

All you quiet dreamers, carry on!