Ride From Reno 2013- Day 1 "And So It Begins"

Day 1 is in the books.  Finished (like me!).  It was a GREAT day on the bike- all 137 miles of it.  A quick rundown and then it's past time for bed.  Read on...

First of all, we got into Reno later last night than usual.  Had a missionary farewell in the morning, and then wanted to stop for lunch at Peppermill in Wendover rather than dinner at Circus Circus in Reno.  The food was amazing, Gene.  Oh, and thanks for the hospitality and kindness.  Great food.  Great service.  Great Executive Chef!

This morning came early- up at 5:30 for a 6:30 meeting at the Reno Arch.  13 of us total for today- 12 who are riding all the way to HCI in SLC, one who joined us just for today (Rich, owner of a local Reno bike shop, and a strong rider!).

Riders- Jeff Warren, Jason Bleak, Ravell Call, Brian Van Uitert, Joe Plater, Darcie Strong, Rich Linton, Larry Peterson, Mike McDonald, Scotty Medine, Dan Sellers and me (not including Rich, mentioned above).


Rode the 10 miles from downtown Reno to the base of Geiger Summit.  That's where the fun begins- 8 miles of up, up, up.  It's not a killer climb, but it goes on and on and on.  Had the good fortune of being able to close the gap on everyone but Ravell, so came in second on the climb.

Bombed down the other side to Jeff's Dad's house- which is a veritable museum of old west arts and crafts.  Jim Warren is a great man, and so good to support all of us year after year.

Bombed down 6 Mile Canyon (aptly named), and then connected to Highway 50 ("The Loneliest Highway in America") and rode it all the way in to Fallon.  Once in Fallon, we stopped for lunch at Lattin Farms, hosted by 93 year old Bill Lattin, and his son-in-law and daughter, Rich and Vicki Linton.  THANKS Bill, Rich and Vicki!

The rest of the day was spent with a heavenly tailwind, which had us averaging 25-30 MPH with low heart rates and less-than-normal effort.  3 more climbs, past the "new" Shoe Tree, and the final 12 miles uphill to Cold Springs to end the day.

Stats for the day:
Distance- 137 miles
Average Speed- 21.1 MPH
Ride Time- 6:29

A good day for all of us, and we start tomorrow at 6:30 driving the 50 miles east back out to Cold Springs where we finished today, and picking up from there.  Around 120 miles tomorrow from Cold Springs to Eureka.

Many thanks to my dear Mom for supporting me all the way today (and really, she supports everyone, as all our support drivers take care of all of us).  And, much love to Lisa, Caitlin, Kira and Kodi who are at home doing what they do.  I miss you all tons!  I love you so much.

Handy out.