Day 8 Winnemucca, NV to Battle Mountain, NV        55 miles and 1405 feet of climbing

It was brisk this morning in Winnemucca, NV. We loaded our luggage into the trailer an hour later than usual, primarily because we were only riding 55 miles today. The tour planners had to work it this way to provide adequate accommodations for us this evening. The towns are so small and spread out in this part of Nevada that suitable lodging and food options are limited.

Downtown Battle Creek, NV

We rode east on Interstate 80 again today. This morning the wind was still blowing pretty strong. The headwinds were a little stiff at times. Five of us, Ken, Jim, Mike, Jamie and myself rode in a paceline for the first few miles, each of us taking turns at the front to pull against the wind. After a few miles, they decided to take a short break, and I decided to ride on by myself. It's more work to ride alone, but sometimes, if I've got a good groove going in the morning and my lungs are starting to open up ( I have asthma), I don't like to stop.

I pedaled on and about 3 minutes later the British National Cycling Team (Masters Division), came barreling through. I could have gotten on the back of their train but decided to let them go and just do my own thing. I find it very peaceful riding alone. I also didn't want to crash their party if I wasn't up to pulling my weight at the front. Best to just enjoy the day and go it alone at a pace that felt right for me. I felt good all day, including on the climb. I think perhaps I will have gained some strength by the time we hit the Rockies.  I saw the British Express again at the first SAG stop at the top of the climb. They departed about 5 or 10 minutes after I arrived and just then, the group I had been with to begin the day came up to the SAG. One member of that group, Ken, decided to catch the English Express and rode off with them. About 5 minutes later, I took off down the road, which began with a 5-mile descent.
For the next 16 miles, I rode alone in an immense valley, the highway straight as can be. Blue sky, mild temperatures, and smooth road. The winds had died down somewhat, and I felt good. At about the 37-mile mark of the ride, there was an exit with a gas station, convenience store, and deli. I pulled off the highway, went into the store and chatted with the British National Cycling Team- Masters Division, who were having large grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. The sandwiches looked absolutely delicious, but I knew that there was a McDonald's right next to our hotel in Battle Mountain and that we had only another 15 or so miles to get there. I decided to let the Brits know that I would see them at the hotel and that I expected to see them on the road momentarily and off I pedaled.

I fully expected the British Express to overtake me within the first few miles because they were getting up to leave the restaurant at the same time that I was. I got a head start by a few minutes, but I figured they would make that up in no time. I cycled that last 15 miles at a pace that felt good. I keep thinking I shouldn't push too hard because we still have 6 weeks to go, but I was in a groove, the wind was not as bad, and I kept pumping until I exited the Interstate in Battle Mountain. I pulled into the McDonalds in Battle Mountain and ordered a McDouble, fries, and a diet coke. Upon finishing my lunch, I noticed the British Express rolling into our hotel next door. They must have been taking it easy during the last leg, in fact, I can guarantee it, these chaps are all strong riders.

My "recovery drink" of choice today. 

On our way to dinner in downtown Battle Mountain

We had dinner at a Mexican Restaurant in town, and then it was off to bed. 

Tomorrow we ride to Elko. Sounds like a John Wayne movie title, "The Long Ride to Elko."