First, Happy Father's Day to all the Dads!
The forecast coming out of Richmond, IN this morning called for a high probability of thunderstorms. It had rained 6 inches last night just west of us, where we had just ridden through yesterday. With relative humidity running in the +90% range, something had to happen.
It was not thunderstorming yet this morning, so we set out for Marysville, OH. This was going to be a long ride and the last "century" (100 mile plus) ride of the Tour de USA.
Early morning departure from Richmond, IN
And a few miles later,
Here's a another look at the first part of the morning:
It was a quiet Sunday morning, riding rural roads. Wind was mainly at our backs and the "weather" was holding off.
Riding through small town, OH
We came upon a road closure but, fortunately, the detour did not cost us any miles.
On the detour road, there was an interesting contrast, with grain growing on one side of the road and corn on the other. Note the now ominous skies.
However, the big moment of the day lay up the road, at about the 80 mile SAG stop.
MK turning into the SAG stop
My Mom and me
Mom, MK and Diana
MK at the SAG
Diana and my mother drove down for the day. They met me at the SAG and later at the hotel, where Diana had a chance to reconnect with the many riders (who were all very happy to see her again) and my Mom thoroughly enjoyed meeting the riders. Diana also brought some great individually wrapped chocolate chip cookies with a cool rider theme. We had a nice together and dinner before they set off for the nearly 4 hour drive home. It was great to see them!
Well, no streak lasts forever and ours was destined to end today. The rains did come. (Larry B., the no hitter is officially over.) We tried to outrun the thunderstorm into Marysville but it caught up with us in the last 20 miles.
All in all, a great day.
Total Miles: 105 Total Vertical Climb: 3200 ft.
great day with your mom and diana.its amazing that this was the first rain you encountered on your trip so far,hopefully its the last.what were you doing writing your blog at 3:30? just back from a mini marathon run? stay safe steve
ReplyDeleteWe had an awesome time, and your Mom said it was her best day. Wow, once again great pics and video.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference 3 weeks, humidity and green green grass make. I expected to see a pretty weary, pedaled out crew. However, you all appeared stronger, happier and somewhat leaner (if that's possible). Perhaps the thought of the finish line albeit almost 1000 miles away account for the euphoria. Have a great day and
hope it is thunderstorm and rain free.
Love, Diana
Amazing that this was the first day of rain for the team in over a month. Looks like you had a nice "reunion" with your Mom and Diana. You're closing in on the prise. Enjoy the final 9 days and continue to ride careful and be safe.
ReplyDeleteDave
Great picture with you, your mom and Diana! Richmond, IN - i know it well - Larry and I lived there for 6 years when we first met (well- Larry was there longer than that) - right on the border of Ohio. Next stop Marysville - we've also been there many times as we had a friend who lived there. Well- less than 1000 miles to go, so enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLooked like some really good roads to ride on. Nice pavement and low traffic density. Too bad about the rain but it just adds further character to the whole adventure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could be with some family on Father's Day. Diana, nice of you to drive down; and bring mom to boot!
Don't even consider trying to keep up with the Tour de France on your 4G phone while your pumping your way through Ohio and Pa. I may have this wrong, but I think Diana has found a few more Dalmack type events in 6 other states that she feels you are certainly qualified for and, therefor, should signup for. The first being in SW Texas in and around Big Bend NP in the cool days of mid March. She is sooooo enthusiastic about these "little" adventures during your early retirement years. John & Carol
ReplyDeleteOops! The event in SW Texas is mid August....maybe a few degrees warmer than mid March. Sorry!
ReplyDeletelove this Mike...how awesome dear Diana and mom were there...was at your house yesterday showing Diana the blazer I am making for Michelle...and she showed me the tasty treats...just told her this is "so Diana"...nuff said!...happy peddling dear brother...xoxo...love ya bunches...Mary Therese
ReplyDeleteReally great that mom and grandma were able to make it down to Marysville, and it was nice to have a chance to talk to you yesterday, although I wish I could have been there too. On that note, I'm really excited for you to see the gift I made for you, it's my creative skills at their finest ;) It was too risky to send it in the mail, so it will be waiting for you at the finale, can't believe it's only 11 days away! Hoping that the rain holds off and the sun shines on!
ReplyDeleteGlad to read you are still going strong,it must be getting a little easier now that the end is in sight, just 851 miles to go! These updates never cease to amaze me but at 330am? Can't wait to hear about your adventure first hand while aboard the Blue Lagoon. Still waiting on that no handed picture! - The Manns
ReplyDeleteSo great that mom and Diana drove to meet you in Ohio, mom was sure looking forward to it. Too bad you had to rude in the rain
ReplyDelete