We’re up early, have breakfast at Hays and are on the road at 7:37. I’m not sure why we’re starting early; it’s a short day. Although sunny, the temperature is in the 60’s and my hands and knees are cold. This day is like the others, a 2,000 feet climb and then downhill to the next town. Today is a little different – there is a 2 mile climb at the end of the day. And by the time we reach Lee Vining, it’s very hot.
From the top of the climb we see Mono lake basin. We descend to a state park for a closer look – see below.
Our tour leader is Alison Stone, a.k.a “pink lady, shown below in Sicily in 2006.
Alison rides with fully loaded panniers both at home and abroad. You have to admire a lady who carries a cassette tool and chain whip in her pink panniers. She and her husband, John, have ridden across the US four times, totally self-contained. John is writing a book about the history of trans-USA bike rides. Alison and John take their bikes to the far parts of the world, armed with nothing more than a map. For a very interesting journal of a recent trip read “Montenegro?? I thought we were going to Portugal” at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/4669
Because this trip is remote – we’re in National Forests most of the time – Alison has cooked us breakfast twice and dinner once. She has to carry all of the supplies for the nightly happy hours. You’ll learn more of the planning and requirements in tomorrow’s blog. And remember, this is all volunteer effort!
Tomorrow is the ride we’ve all been anticipating and dreading, the climb to Tioga Pass - 9,945 feet.
Internet (and cell) service has been poor the last couple of days. As we arrive in Yosemite, we may not have any service. So if you don’t find tomorrow’s blog, check later; I’ll publish it when I can.
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