It was a hot day for a 117 mile ride today, so we left early. I went out as early as allowed at about 5:15, thinking I was one of the first out. But before leaving I took a quick spin through the small town of Wall. I wanted to get this 120 mile ride in before it got to the predicted 95+ temperatures. There was a strong wind out of the south, so most of the day there would be a strong cross wind that at times would be a tailwind as we headed in a northeastern direction to Pierre. It was not a day with the wind in our face where I absolutely needed to work with a group, so I headed out alone thinking that when I was caught by a group I wanted to ride with I would settle in.

This is the terrain for the day in central North Dakota. One picture says it all. But in amongst the long straight a ways there were a lot of long rolling hills. And as I rode, feeling unusually chipper and spry at 5:30 AM and as I chatted up and passed some of the friendly and more mellow riders, I could see ahead one by one what turned out to be some of what I thought were the stronger riders. Feeling pretty good I wanted to get this ride over before it got too hot so one by one I chased down and was surprised to be able to overtake 4 or 5 guys who on other days, especially early on, I never could have caught. When I finally caught Tim from Virginia, who is way too serious, rides hard every day and was pissed that I caught and passed him, I knew I was having one of those days and was "in the zone".

Too make a long story short, I out ran the first SAG stop and at the second SAG was all alone. I was just leaving the 2nd SAG (a beautiful shaded spot) after I had eaten my lunch with Cathy (from MN and on the support team), when a pace line of the strongest riders came in. Bud from San Diego, a great guy and also one of the strongest support riders was leading the line. I probably had about 10 minutes head start on them for the last 35 miles of the 117 mile ride. I figured, based on my past performance, or rather lac of performance on my part in the mountains,  and they all thought they would reel me in, dying in the heat as I faded out there alone. But I surprised everyone, especially myself when I finished, tired and hot with no water, exhausted and totally spent but sitting with a smile alone on a sand bar in the cold Missouri River as they rode in over the bridge into the central time zone!!!. A ride I will never forget and probably never duplicate because hopefully I will not be vain enough to attempt again.

The sand bar along the Missouri River where I swam after today's ride. The bridge we crossed was just behind me.

Charlie my roommate and some other friends got confused and thought today was my birthday and got me a cake. I was thrilled and very gracious and used it as a kick off for tomorrow my real birthday when I expect there will be some real celebration!!! As I have been saying to everyone ...... I am 38 tomorrow ...... that is 38 years until I turn 100.

Love to all!!!