The wind continued to blow hard all night, and was still doing it this morning. After yesterday afternoon's misery, I was procrastinating starting my ride this morning. When I finally got to rolling, I was not disappointed. It began like it ended yesterday. The pic below is becoming the norm.
That was about my average speed for the entire ride today. I saw another touring cyclist heading east today and he/she looked all relaxed and happy. I wonder if that had anything to do with the 20+ mph wind behind their back? I would like to give that a try someday.
I made it about 30 miles to Bassano, and it took me 4 and 1/2 hours to get there. Now I had a decision to make, the next town was 30 miles away and it would be about 8 p.m. or later when I arrived there. Should I proceed on, or just camp at Bassano tonight and hope the wind calms down tomorrow. I decided to stay in Bassano and take somewhat of a rest day. Hopefully the wind will calm down tomorrow.
Below is a pic of downtown Bassano.
Bassano has a nice campground. The entrance of the campground is pictured below. It has a nice clean shower with plenty of hot water. Today is the first shower I have had in a few days.
As I was setting up camp, a truck with a camper on it pulled into a site next to mine. I met the owners, Pete and Flo, pictured below. They invited me to have supper with them (even before I had my shower), and I quickly jumped on that generous offer. Pic of my supper below. They are from Calgary and have been in Bassano this weekend for the rodeo in town. We talked for quite awhile after supper. Pete saw a couple of other touring cyclists last night at the campground who also started in Brooks, and stopped in Bassano due to the wind. It was good meeting and talking to these generous folks.
My campsite for the night.
Oh yeah, Lucky found him a companion on the road today. Meet Daisy...
Let's discuss a dilemma I am having riding in this terrain...
I need to drink a lot of water while riding, which means I will need to relieve myself occasionally. I'm riding on pretty much an interstate, busy highway with no trees or bushes. The towns are commonly 30+ miles apart. The pull offs (rest areas) have a garbage can and recycling bin but no "wash rooms" as they are called in Canada. This sometimes makes finding a spot to relieve myself challenging. I could always put up my tent and get my special bottle, but that procedure would certainly turn into a nevermind moment. Any suggestions??
Total miles today: 37.3
Pretend your all alone and just go for it. What a story it would make for those passing by.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but knowing my luck, the passing by would be a Royal Canadian Police Officer :)
DeleteI'm sure you check the weather every day, but winds start at about 10 per and go up throughout the day. Itnt that the way, you get close to your destination and mother nature reminds you who's in charge.
ReplyDeleteI've been noticing that trend. Wait till the last few miles, then let him have it.
DeleteI've been noticing that trend. Wait till the last few miles, then let him have it.
DeleteI’ll give you Bob W’s advice- stop on the road side straddling your bike, pretend to be looking at something distant and just go (carefully)
ReplyDeleteGreat read following your adventure. Good luck with the headwinds. Real early starts can give you a few hours of relief.
Hey Mike. I try to start early for that reason, but yesterday, it was howling all night and that morning.
ReplyDeleteBob W and Tim have the basic idea. Have a old fashioned map, and pretend you are looking at it intently while standing there. The mind sees what the mind expects (those folks in cars). Those people will just think, 'look at that 68 year old man. Bless his heart. He STILL uses maps!"
ReplyDeleteAnd / or also have out a water bottle. Think of it as a little bit of Hollywood acting while you 'prendre une pause dans la salle de bain!'