25ish miles / 2270 total (ish)
Today was supposed to be a long push through to Larned (70miles). This includes a 50mile section of the map where there are no services at all. So we started out, went past an exotic animal zoo (?!?)
When we turned onto the road we'd be pretty much on all day, we turned into a headwind. The day was also due to be entirely gradually uphill and the hottest day so far. While riding along looking at my average speed (about 8mph, no laughing please) I was working out how long it would take to get through to Larned. I realized that carrying on through the 50 mile, no services section wouldn't be a good idea. So, I spoke to the others that I was riding with, and said that I was going to abandon at the next and only town of Sterling, I really didn't want to be fighting a 25mph headwind, uphill in 35degC temps for a 7 hours.
I know Jim really struggled with his decision. He wanted to go, didn't want to go on alone, would have felt guilty about leaving me by myself in Sterling and also saw that for me being the weakest rider in the group that I was making the right call for me. He eventually decided that he would have a rest day in Sterling, the decision was made easier when we looked at the weather forecast and realized we are due a TAILWIND tomorrow. Sometimes, it's just not worth killing yourself just to get the mileage done.
I know Jim really struggled with his decision. He wanted to go, didn't want to go on alone, would have felt guilty about leaving me by myself in Sterling and also saw that for me being the weakest rider in the group that I was making the right call for me. He eventually decided that he would have a rest day in Sterling, the decision was made easier when we looked at the weather forecast and realized we are due a TAILWIND tomorrow. Sometimes, it's just not worth killing yourself just to get the mileage done.