Day 1: WY to MN Ride

Hello My Friends,

Today, ride WY -> MN is really underway!

Began riding in Pine Bluffs, WY
On Hwy 30, straight east,
Such good conditions! ...  except heat.
Hoped that September would have
More moderate temps.

Great forty mile ride,
Careful support from SAG,
Lots of water gulped down,
Still, stopped & loaded bike on car at 40 mile,
Since temp was 93 degrees.

Device that got me through last ten miles,
Cloth / fabric strip to be soaked with water,
Draped around neck & down front of shirt.
(Actually, not sure "correct" draping, mine worked)

It is great!
Neck, hairline, chest felt cool.
Extended time I could be riding.
Friend Dot, runner, gave it to me.
Perfect for 90 degree temps.
Thank you, Dot!

So many people have said,
About WY to MN ride,
"That ride is all downhill!”
I'll include elevation of each morning's start place.
Numbers will prove their point!

Given elevation interest,
Yesterday, Sept 1, Bob dropped me at
Summit of Sherman Hill, old Lincoln Highway
Now Interstate 80.

Highest point on old Lincoln Highway,
It has elevation of 8,640 ft.
Had great 21 mile ride down portion of
Back road to Cheyenne.
Through Medicine Bow Nat'l Forest,
Views of Vedauwoo rock formations,
Wonderful unofficial ride.

Sometimes when I ride,
Mind scrolls back through decades.
Now paying attention to "moment,”
Pulling thoughts back to vista,
Experience of current ride.

Sunflower fields today look thirsty, tired.
Their season nearly complete.
Glad to have seen even their
Drooping yellow.

This trip is all about Flexibility!
Change the route to match the conditions,
Shorten miles to fit temperatures,
Notice the journey.
Lucky me.

Hugs to each of you,
Lin

Limerick:

The trip I've awaited has started,
With bicycle ridden and carted,
To match the day's need,
Conditions to heed,
Assuring that good health is guarded.