• Miles today 73.9
• Miles total 1552.6
• Elevation today 5030 ft
• Elevation total 75607 ft
• Weather – brisk to start with down canyon winds at 48 and then prairie winds for the climbs at 90

Today was a shorty of 74-ish miles but 5k ft of climbing. Much tougher than expected with the accompanying head wind of 15 to 20. The climbs we were told were averaging in the 3 to 4 % range, well averages mask the real activity. What really was there was grades of 7, 8, 9 %. You can probs hear me huffing and puffing from where ever you are.

I have been trying different things to get my hydration and nutrition right. Thought I had it nailed, but Mr. Murphy can back to greet me. Water, scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, yogurt and cheerios with milk, plus a hotel coffee-ya burning those cals . I was trying top off with a crunchy peanut butter Cliff bar. Felt kind ehh, after it. Then my legs were heavy for first 15 miles. Then couldn’t really power thru the climbs. Then before lunch it was me back in the trees. Use your imagination, but wow, ughhhhh! I then limped into lunch and last stops. Getting into hotel shower never felt so good!!

In Rapid City for a rest day…everyone is ready for a day off!