I killed the beast today. 106 miles from Milaca to Stillwater, MN. My day began at 5:00 a.m., up dressing in my gear, sun screen, then shoving breakfast down my throat at 5:30, Raisin Bran, juice, tea, scrambled eggs, peanut butter sandwich. I was on the road at 6:00 a.m. The ride was great the first 40 miles, winding country farm roads, a lot of cows, Alpacas, horses. Beautiful vast farmland. Then around 10:00 a.m.the heat factor began...no other way to express it, but brutally humid, and hot, 90 degrees plus! I drank a lot of course today, water, gatorade. Ate a lot too on my bike, Pay Day candy bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter crackers, sports beans, oreos, slim jims, fritos, cheese sticks. All in an effort to power my body to the end. A few riders and I ate lunch at a coffe shop in Wisc. right on the MN/Wisc. border. I ordered a grilled cheese, but only ate half...I was feeling the heat...I doused my head numerous times with water, and ice cubes down my shirt, shorts, anything to keep my core body temp down. After leaving lunch I realized I left my camel bak at the restaurant, and had to ride a few miles back to get it. I was so mad!! it was so hot!! The last thing I need is additional miles. The final 65 miles were hot, humid, the sun is just relentless on these farm country roads, no shade. We had a lot of steep rolling hills, especially when we got into Stillwater. I was in the saddle for close to 8 hours. I got a bit delerious with 10 miles left, and started laughing my ass off when my friend, Milano got a flat tire. We were so fried, and exhausted, and she gets a flat! Two of the sag drivers fixed it, there was no way I was going to leave her on the road side alone, so I just began losing it, and laughing. Once it was fixed, we finished the ride with these incredibly steep hills, I was yelling, "who is playing this dirty trick on us?!" We were elated we made it in safe, and in one piece. This ride, our guides said, is with out doubt one of the most difficult. Once I got into my hotel room I sat on the bed for a while, and was so glad this day was over. Tomorrow we finally have an off day. I plan on sleeping, hydrating, eating, and doing some maintenance on my bike. Our guides made pasta and meat balls for dinner. So wonderful. I had a beer too. All of us women toasted our good ride. We are all thrilled! On Weds. we jump on our bikes again, and ride 84 miles into Wabasha, MN ( the movie, Grumpy Old Men) was filmed there. I will again ride every mile in memory of my favorite aunt, Ann Newell, and all of you. My word is my bond. I am having trouble uploading pictures...so hang in there until I get some help today, then I have abunch to publish.
Love,
Kit
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