After lunch, and hydrated with water. I head into the strong wind. I estimate the wind speed reached 25+ MPH, and kept 2 firm hands on the handlebars. (Much later, I checked the web site for National Weather, and found the official wind speeds on May 12th reached 28MPH, with gusts up to 32. Web site: National-Weather-Madison-May12 )
Look at this HUGE USA FLAG standing straight out!
On my 18-speed bicycle, I normally use gears 9-10 for a flat road. But, right now on the flats, I'm using my mountain-climbing gears 1-2! I have a steady cadence, and maintained 7 MPH. I don't try to fight such a strong wind like this, or I'd loose!
Several of my siblings wondered how I was coping in the winds? They also had strong winds across the Midwest, and knew it'd affect me. My bike training coach advised to expect winds in the spring, and shift down. My best mental preparation was succeeding on the ride to Gustavus on May 2nd.
Now, I see I'll run out of sunlight at this pace. At 4:30PM, I phone John. He'll drive North and meet me to pick me up after he finishes work today. "Look for a yellow shirted bicyclist on #12...
I settled back on the saddle, and pedaled onward. I began to spot other bicyclists "in a yellow shirt." The last bicyclist was Jerry. I told Jerry to watch for a young lad ready to give him a lift. Jerry said my story was inspiring to cover a 300-mile ride early in the season. We looked up, and saw John driving up with a smile!
Philosophical saying found in Reedsburg, Wisconsin:
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