Woke up to find some (three) mischievous elves had saran wrapped and TPed many of the guy’s bicycles together. Must have been pay back for some earlier prank!
We had a fairly late start due to the fatigue of yesterday and the fact that Gillette to Newcastle is only a ride of 76 miles. Notice the word “only”? Our perspective has really become warped; any ride under 80 miles is considered short and presents no concern. 80 to 100 miles is just a normal day’s ride – no big deal. Stretch the daily mileage to over 100 and we then consider it a challenge. Hills and wind may increase the difficulty of the course to be covered but most of us just view the miles as something that HAS to be done.
Cliff, the rider hit by the truck, is back on a bike and once again riding with us. The man is unbelievable; an inspiration for all of us.
I began the ride with Doug. Shortly outside of town we came upon multiple stacks of HUGE tires; another photo opportunity. Turns out the tires form the protective berm of a shooting range and, as luck would have it, the son of the owner stopped by. He invited us in for a tour of the facility which we quickly accepted, now accompanied by Brendan. Doug became the victim for two, absolutely hilarious, practical jokes. The first involved baby rattlers (did I mention we are in rattlesnake country – Diamondbacks being one of the most common samples of roadkill). A small barrel labeled “baby rattlers” was on the floor of the store. Doug asked about it and was told that being early, and somewhat cool, it was probably same to carefully look inside. Doug moved tentatively toward the barrel, carefully pulled back the newspaper covering the mesh top, and STOPPED. There was a huge hole in the mesh screen! When assured the rattlers posed no threat, brave Doug peered in to the barrel…and busted out laughing! There in the barrel were very colorful baby teething rattles!
The second incident involved a caged, ferret/badger hybrid with a bad attitude. You’ll have to talk to Doug for the full story (or check with me later) but let’s just say its good the Doug’s heart is strong!
Continuing on the road, several of us stopped in Moorcroft (mile 27), for an early lunch. The remainder of the ride is a blurr…things like days, miles, locations, and events are beginning to blend together. I did ride with Joe, Ruben, Liz, and Rosie. DeWayne and I finished the final 8 miles, had a bite to eat, before riding the final half mile to the Newcastle Senior Center (I’m old enough to be a resident here).
Some riders are setting up outside, but being soft, I decided to camp on the floor in an air-conditioned room.
We were served dinner and will be served breakfast by the residents of this facility. People here are very outgoing and friendly!
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