Total Distance: 55 miles. Average speed: 9.8mph.
This is the first really exhausing day. After 3 days of warming up, today was the first real day of training because I am now in Madera Canyon. You would think a canyon would be downhill, but no, I had to climb a couple thousand feet to get here. The last 12 miles are super intense. As I climbed, with 1/2 mile to go, I wondered, “is it really this hard, or am I just super-exhausted?” And seemingly in answer to that question, my chain broke. This is the second time that my chain has broke. I think its evil. I was so close! 45 minutes later, practically in tears, I got the chain fixed. I was back on my way.
I feel like I should write something witty but that is quite hard when your will has been shattered by a bike chain. Ok, ok, I’m just being melodramatic now. Anyway I made it the 55 or so miles here and its very nice. Its quite busy, and the weather is gorgeous. I think when my journey is over the thing I will miss the most will be being outside all the time.
I forgot matches! Ahhh! Luckily I was able to get some from the ‘host’ of the campsite. I’m glad I brought that master link tho. Forgetting matches I can live with, but I really need my chain! I better get all my tools and keep them with me always. And make sure I have replacement parts! Ok, that’s it for now. I’m going to take a couple pictures!
