Doesn't she look like Julia Roberts touching the pipeline? I think so! :) Anyway, here are some fun facts about the pipeline:
Even though you don't see a photo of me touching it, I did do it. I will post a photo of me doing it once I get back to civilization and can download photos from Laura's camera.
Now about that mountain. In our itinerary for day 5, it says we will ride approximately 33 miles which will encompass a 2,678 foot climb to Thompson Pass. Ok. No sweat. I'll take my time and we'll be done in a few hours, right? WRONG!! First of all, our friend unrelenting rain decided to accompany us on our ride today. And unbeknownst to all of us, Walt decided to increase the mileage for the day. Out first segment was 18 miles and mostly flat. The next 10 miles to our lunch stop had one major climb. The next 12 miles had three major climbs up to Thompson Pass and were some of the hardest miles I have ever done. They were sort of steep but very long. I had to stop a few times to let the lactic acid calm down in my legs but eventually, I made it to the top. Wet and cold, but I made it. The final 12 miles were the easiest of the day as we descended 2500 of the original 2678 feet in just six miles! Even though the road was wet and some fog thrown in for good measure, I FLEW down the mountain. I guesstimate I reached a top speed between 45-50 MPH. It was a lot of fun! Total mileage for the day was 52 miles! It was a fitting end to the cycling portion of our adventure. Everyone completed the ride successfully. Feeling wet, cold and tired, it really made me feel like i accomplished something! :)
Tomorrow, I go kayaking for the first time in my life. Wish me luck! :)
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