Day 32

Well it was my really big ride today. More out of necessity than a planned century, (biker term for 100 miles). I wanted to get across the Great Divide Basin, which meant putting in 134 miles from Atlantic City to Rawlins, WY. The only way that I could do this was if the weather cooperated. The Basin is known for its unpredictable weather, but no snow when I got up so the weather was looking up. I got going at 6:30 to help give me some time. I wanted to get going at 5:30, but my body refused to get up to the 4:40 alarm. About 10 miles into my ride a guy originally from Slovakia, now living in New York, caught up with me. I chatted and rode with him for about 5 miles, but then we came to a hill and he left me in the dust. One, because he was considerably lighter, and two, he looked like he was pretty hardcore. The weather turned out to be perfect for riding. Little to no wind, cooler temps, even the clouds were puffy and perfect looking. The Great Divide Basin was pretty interesting. There is pretty much no water. It is called the Great Divide Basin because there are mountains all around it and no water flows into or out of it. It is essentially high desert. I saw antelope, no trees, and a lot of sage. I felt pretty good even after mile 100. The wind cooperated so I went a little faster than I had planned on. I averaged a little better than 10 miles an hour, but by the time I got about 15 miles outside of Rawlins I was ready to be done. I finally got to an Econolodge and checked in. I think I passed 5 motels that were closed. This side of Rawlins looks a little dicey, but the motel was cheep. These last two days were some pretty big testers for me.