Day 6: Sparks, NV to Lovelock, NV

Day 6: 08 June 2007

Sparks, NV to Lovelock, NV.  91 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Day’s Theme:
Head east fast – through the desert……….

Weather/Terrain:
It was still cool this morning, but, warmed up to a nice 70 degrees or so.  It was sunny, with a little headwind.  70 degrees in the Nevada desert is actually cool – that helped us.

How I feel:
All is well still – feeling like I am getting through the days, and also saving enough for tomorrow.

Notable Events:
Not much to report today.  We spent most of the day in Interstate 80 – there are no side roads in this part of the country. 

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



A little cool this morning – desert type weather. 
 
Today’s ride was largely along Interstate 80 – you know the road that goes from San Francisco to Ney York City.
 
This first section of the road was harsh and dangerous. 






Largely desert along this road.






Stu, Brian, Arlene, and Robert taking a break.






I was taking a break, a “bio break” here, when I looked left and saw this entrance to a tunnel in the mountain.
 
Think there’s gold in there?








Miles of nothing yet fenced in.
 
Why?
 
Well, I had all day to think about it, and, I came up with no answers.






Just more road on the way to Lovelock, NV.






The America by Bicycle Crew, the four of them (Andy, Gerard, Michelle, and Tom) are all doing a great job.  They have two vans that transport our luggage and monitor the course.  They take one van and set up rest areas along the route.  And, often as in this picture, a van will stop and a rest area is made on the fly.
 
We were all just getting some water and Gatorade here.






Our second SAG Area was in this rest area on I-80.






Brian from England and I were riding together and we saw these salt flats (white stuff in the distance) and big mountains ahead.
 
Apparently, there is geothermal activity in this area.  There was a sign that said to “Not Touch the Water – it is scalding hot”.  Several others said they saw steam also………….






OK kids, sorry, but there is a reality of these trips, and it is summarized here.
 
In the old days, hair gel, and ibuprofen were all I would take.
 
As I got older, I started using sunscreen.
 
Bicycles do require lubrication – so, a little T-9 to keep it all moving.
 
Now, the reality.  You MUST “manage your butt”.  Chamois Butt’s goes in your shorts and on your behind while you ride – keeps friction away.  I was behind a rider a couple days ago and thought I smelled peanut butt’s.  I was scared…….
 
And well, A& D – it, apparently, is not only for babies, but for anyone who wants skin as “soft as a baby’s ass……”.
 
That’s it kids – I’m out to the casino……………..